A lengthy joint investigation by Florida state officials and Nationwide Insurance Company has culminated in the arrest of five individuals who allegedly bilked the state's personal injury protection (PIP) system for personal gain.

This week's arrests include clinic owners, massage therapists, and chiropractors accused of shady dealings and billings at accident clinics located in Port Charlotte and Fort Myers, Florida:

Gloria Feliz, 31, a receptionist.
Andres Bravo, 52, a massage therapist.
Joe Gevans, 51, a facilitator.
Gerard Jean Stephen Valere, 51, clinic owner.
Ronald Woodley, 63, a chiropractor.

According to the office of Florida CFO Jeff Atwater, the aforementioned suspects stand accused of helping enlist patients to churn out invoices for treatments and services never rendered, among other crimes. A long-term investigation conducted by the Florida Department of Financial Services' Division of Insurance Fraud in partnership with Nationwide Insurance Company found that employees at Evans Rehab Center and Charlotte Wellness and Rehab, advised patients to sign documents for rehabilitation services for injuries that supposedly occurred during auto accidents.

Authorities believe the clinic employees then billed insurance companies for fraudulent treatments. The joint investigation also revealed that Charlotte Wellness had been operating without the proper state licensure requirements.

“These arrests are another great win in the ongoing fight against PIP fraud in Florida,” said CFO Atwater. “I applaud the hard work of our investigators who are able to identify and shut down these destructive crime rings, which hurt Florida families by driving up insurance rates for everyone.”

The Lee and Charlotte County Sheriff's offices assisted the department with the investigation. Woodley, Gavens and Valere were booked into the Charlotte County Jail, and both Feliz and Bravos were booked into the Lee County Jail. The subjects are awaiting bond.

Special Reports /

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