The family that commits fraud together pleads guilty together.That's the case for Homer Cedillo, Jr., his mother, two aunts, andthree cousins.

Cedillo, 42, a former Hidalgo County district court probationofficer, and his family members have admitted to claiming falseinjuries to defraud an insurance company.

Cedillo and his relatives were seven of 36 people charged withconspiracy and wire fraud as part of “Operation Sitting Duck,” a federalinvestigation that uncovered more than $3 million in false injuryclaims sent to American Family Life Assurance Company (Aflac).

All but one of the 36 have pleaded guilty to the charges,however, prosecutors did drop the more severe conspiracy charge inexchange for the guilty pleas to wire fraud from Cedillo and hisrelatives.

Cedillo's relatives are Edinburg resident Mary Cedillo, 65, andMcAllen residents Martha Ortega, 58; Yolanda Segovia, 55; CandidaChavez, 35; Lori Chavez, 29, and Anissa Chavez, 31.

The family members were under Aflac's Accident Only SupplementalInsurance Plan during various spans between 2005 and 2010.

During that time they would deliver lists of fake accidents andinjuries to two Rynosa doctors who signed off on accident reportssent to Aflac. The doctors would charge about $15 per accidentreport; each claim would net only about $100.

Sentencing for Cedillo and his family is set for Feb. 21. Eachfaces up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.