East Bay Claims Association News Network - June 2016

June 2016

Since 1993 with East Bay!

Volume XXIV Number VI

w w w. EastBayAdjusters.org

Investigating Indoor L ab F ires at J une EBCA Join the EBCA for our next Luncheon Meeting of the New Year!

Wednesday

June 8, 2016 as we welcome guest speaker

Vic Massenkoff Investigator Fire Investigation Unit

Contra Costa County Fire Protection District at

Zio Fraedo’s 611 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523 — see page 7

July 22nd - 15th Annual EBCA Golf Tournament

Register NOW to Attend the 23rd Annual

Sept 14-16, 2016 Hyatt Regency Downtown Sacramento

www.ClaimsConference.org

2

East Bay Claims Association News Network • June 2016 The East Bay Claims Association is a charitable and educational organization that is dedicated to the betterment of Insurance Claims Professionals, through: continuing education; industry knowledge and contacts; and a strong commitment to integrity and respect in networking.

2016 OFFICERS

President

Secretary

Vice President

Andrea Latimer

Gemma Houser

Michelle Windsor-Baughman

Paul Davis Restoration

CRDN

Alliance Environmental Group

(510) 803-7069

(925) 872-6333

(707) 673-3252

gemmahouser@hotmail.com

michelle.windsor@crdn.com

Im. Past President

Treasurer

Joe Baughman

John Ehlert

SRI Environmental

JR Structural

AndreaLatimer@alliance-enviro.com

(925) 469-8000

(925) 788-3875

john@jrstructural.com

jbaughman@srienviro.comm

As per the East Bay Claims Associaiton bylaws, 2016 Presdient Gemma Houser will announce her appointments for 2016 EBCA Board Of Directors from the membership soon

Register NOW

for the 15th Annual

Residential & Commercial Reconstruction

East Bay Claims Association

24 hour emergency service

Golf Tournament

Friday, July 22, 2016 at Eagle Vines Golf Course in the Napa Valley 580 South Kelly Road

MARK SCOTT

construction, inc.

Lic. #682814

Pleasant Hill - Main t: 925-944-0502 Stockton t: 209-982-0502 Fairfield t: 707-864-8880 msconstruction.com

The Finest Name in Safe Overspray Removal

1-800-345-1269

Nationwide Mobile Crews – Immediate Response ISO 9001:2008 Certified

Sponsorships and Foursomes are filling up. go to

www.EastBayAdjusters.org

www.nationwideoverspray .com

East Bay Claims Association News Network • June 2016

EBCA Schedule of Upcoming Events

3

Association meetings held at: Zio Fraedo’s Restaurant 611 Gregory Lane 2nd Wednesdays of most months: Pleasant Hill, CA

Luncheon Meetings • JUNE 8, 2016

JUNE 2016

VOLUME XXIV . NUMBER VI

EBCA Mission Statement:

The East Bay Claims Association is a charitable and educational organization that is dedicated to the betterment of Insurance Claims Professionals, through: continuing education; industry knowledge and contacts; and a strong commitment to integrity and respect in networking.

In order to accomplish this mission, the Association provides a forum and network for insurance claims professionals to meet and share information. This forum and fundraising events held by the group also help to connect insurance claims professionals in local communities and expands public awareness of the work performed by insurance claims professionals.

East Bay Claims Association 25A Crescent Drive, #266 Pleasant Hill, CA 94523

2 3 4 5 6 7 8

• 2016 EBCA Officers • EBCA 2016 Schedule of Upcoming Events • Bowling Tournament Fundraiser - Wounded Warrior Project • Summer is upon us...

EBCA 2016-’17 President Gemma Houser • Einhaus Shares Techniques for “Using Mindfulness as a Tool in Claims Adjusting” at May EBCA • Investigating Indoor Marijuana Grow and Butane Hash Oil Lab Fires at June EBCA • EBCA Helping Family Shelter Facing Major Funding Shortage - Shelter Inc. needs our help

9 • East Bay Claims A.N.N. Services Directory 10 • Association News Network Job Connection classifieds 11 • News From the Department of Insurance www.EastBayAdjusters.org

Vic Massenkoff,

Investigating Indoor Marijuana Grow & Butane Hash Oil Lab Fires

• Friday, July 22, 2016

15th Annual EBCA Gold Tournament - Eagle Vines Golf Course, Napa

• AUGUST 10, 2016

Craig Pusser, AAA SUI, “Fraudulent Claims”

• SEPT 14-16, 2016

23rd Annual Claims Conference of N. California www.ClaimsConference.org

• OCT 12, 2016

Jim Nolt, JH Nolt Associates “Things That Burn In The Night”

• NOV 9, 2016

EBCA Bowling Tournament - Danville Bowl 3-5pm

• DECEMBER, 2016

Holiday Party-Charity Speakers

4

East Bay Claims Association News Network • June 2016

REGISTER SOON @

www.EastBayAdjusters.org

580 South Kelly Road

5

East Bay Claims Association News Network • June 2016

Summer is upon us...

...and I’m looking forward to spending lots of time outside with my family.

June 2016 Message from 2016-2017 EBCA President Gemma Houser

WATER DAMAGE CLAIMS • Electronic Leak Detection & Repair • Sub-Slab Plumbing • Sewer Line Video Scans • Pools, Spas & Fountains

800-353-LEAK

www.AmericanLeakDetection.com

My granddad is coming from England, so I’m looking forward to also spending some quality time with him. I hope you all have some exciting plans for the summer months.

A big thank you to Steve Einhaus from Einhaus Adjusting for speaking at our April luncheon.

Thanks, also, to our centerpiece sponsor, CRDN. I’m sorry that I missed the meeting but I had two sick kids at home. Trust me, I would have much rather have been at the meeting. Thanks Joe for filling in for me and running the meeting.

We are still looking for centerpiece sponsors so, those interested, please see Donna Topp with Units.

I’m really excited to announce our speaker for June is Vic Massenkoff, from Contra Costa Fire Protection District. He will be speaking on Investigating Indoor Marijuana Grow and Butane Hash Oil Lab Fires. This is sure to be a very interesting topic and I can’t wait to hear what he has to say. Information and registration for the event is posted on our website.

Our annual golf tournament is

coming up on July 22nd. We are pleased to be back at Eagle Vines in Napa. For sponsorship and foursome information please contact Joe Baughman.

This year our theme is an open theme, so each hole is open to be decorated as each sponsor wants.

The golfers will vote on the best decorated hole at the end of the day. Once you have paid for your sponsorship your logo will go up on the website. A big thank you to our Grand Sponsor, CRDN. We also have CCNC coming up on September 14th-16th at the Hyatt in Sacramento. There will be lots of educational courses to choose from and over 60 exhibitors. If you are interested in sponsoring the event please see Jennifer Pinney. For more information about the event please visit www.claimsconference.org Our first-ever EBCA Bowling Tournament is slated to take place on November 9th. This will be a great social event, as well as a charitable drive. Jennifer Pinney and Amaya Fine will have more information, as well as sponsorship opportunities available soon. Funds raised will go to The Wounded

Warrior Project, so plan to come out and support this amazing organization.

Our Membership Drive for 2016 is ongoing. Our association depends on our members so please make sure to renew/ join now. You can go to our website www.eastbayadjusters. org to become a member, or feel free to contact our Membership Chair, Lynna Harrison: lynna@ associationnewsnetwork.com, or call her at (925) 785-7021 for more information. I encourage you to bring new people to our meetings.

Please do not forget to respond to our Evite or call Andrea Latimer at (707) 673-3252. It’s simple to purchase your lunch now online at www.eastbayadjusters.org.

I look forward to seeing you at the May meeting. Please don’t forget to pay on-line and RSVP. Respectfully,

Gemma

Gemma Houser 2016-’17 President, EBCA Paul Davis Restoration (510) 803-7069 ghouser@pdr-usa.net

6

East Bay Claims Association News Network • June 2016

Einhaus Shares Techniques for “Using Mindfulness As a Tool in Claims Adjusting” at May EBCA

By Lynna Harrison

Long time member and supporter of the East Bay Claims Association, Steve Einhaus, treated the May 11, 2016 Luncheon crowd with an insightful look at “using mindfulness as a tool in claims adjusting”.

“I am not an expert, I am just an adjuster,” he said at the outset.

Mr. Einhaus has been an adjuster since 1978, having opened his own Company in 2008.

“What is Mindfulness?,” he queried. “It is being there, present, in the moment,” he explained.

“Mindfulness is concentration.

Moment to moment awareness of our thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations & surrounding environment,” he added.

Einhaus used the Warrior Basketball MVP Steph Curry as an example. He joked that he would like his own wife to call him “Steph”.

The brain is very complex and we use very little of it, he observed.

Steve explained that he has been studying the brain for 20 years.

“It is in our DNA to be watchful,” he told the crowd. He provided direct techniques to remember.

“It takes about five positives to overcome a negative. Visualize a calm lake when dealing with negative people. Take a deep breath. Something positive almost always comes out of a negative,” he stated.

Steve gave an example using a trainer in Costa Rica that was reaching out to a wild Monkey with food, and the monkey finally put his hand in the trainer’s.

He urged everyone to “activate positive mindfulness finding

Long time EBCA Board Member Steve Muir, with AAA.

words that work for you,” he said. “Realize the ultimate possibilities that, and there are no limits.”

Einhaus’ remarks could effectively begin to help shift the way in which claims people interact with their insureds and EBCA Speaker Chair, Jodi DeVillier, thanks guest speaker for the May luncheon, Independent Adjuster Steve Einhaus. claimants.

Peter Doherty, of Emergency Packout Company, with EBCA EBCA Past President, Joe Baughman, congratulates Jennimember Ben Daily, of Engineering Design & Testing. fer Pinney, the winner of the May 50/50 Raffle drawing.

EBCA Board member, Kathleen Taylor, left, with Tracy Lo, with PT&C LWG Consulting, and Lisa Mendez, of Caliber Collision.

Elizabeth Clar with Abatix. .

Adjuster Anthony Battles with Lisa Winn, now of Premier Construction.

April Wilkinson, above right, with new FRSTeam folks (l-r): Talon Cutsinger, Marco Rodriguez and Maria Tejeda at the May EBCA luncheon meeting.

7

East Bay Claims Association News Network • June 2016

Investigating Indoor Marijuana Grow and Butane Hash Oil Lab Fires at June EBCA Join the EBCA for the next Luncheon Meeting of the Year!

Vic Massenkoff

Investigator, Fire Investigation Unit, Contra Costa County Fire Protection District The recent dramatic increase in the number of illegal indoor residential marijuana cultivation and butane hash oil extraction operations are resulting

in numerous fires and serious burn injuries across the United States. Conditions commonly found at these fire scenes can expose Investigators and First Responders to serious health hazards including risk of vapor ignition/ explosions and electrocution.

This course of instruction will introduce the most common ways in which these fires are caused and how to identify signs and evidence of such operations. The information presented will aid Investigators in qualifying as Origin and Cause Expert Witnesses related to these types of fires. Most importantly, the course will cover the many hazards that First Responders and Investigators are exposed to by these incidents.

Session Highlights: • Description of methods and equipment used in indoor residential marijuana grow operations • Role of organized crime in these grow operations and methods of distribution & concealment • Description of methods and equipment used to produce Butane Hash Oil • How to safely process Grow and Butane Hash Oil operation fire scenes • Prosecution and Cost Recovery strategies

Wednesday

June 8, 2016 as we welcome guest speaker

Vic Massenkoff “Investigating Indoor Marijuana Grow & Butane Hash Oil Lab Fires” at

Zio Fraedo’s 611 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523 11:15am Check-in Luncheon 12:00 noon - 1:00pm

FREE to 2016 Adjuster Members Adjusters Now Join for FREE

(suggested $10 donation to the EBCA Charitable Fund) $45 Non-Members/Guests or No Reservations

$35 for current paid 2016 Associate Members Purchase your lunch online, at:

www.EastBayAdjusters.org

Otherwise, for payment by cash or check at the door, please make reservations now with

2016 EBCA Secretary, Andrea Latimer:

707-673-3252 • andreaLatimer@alliance-enviro.com

COMMERICAL & RESIDENTIAL

Fire & Smoke Damage Restoration • Water Mitigation

• HazMat

• Mold Remediation • Sewage & Sanitizing • Moving & Storage

• Lead Abatement

24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE

1.800.944.0502

8

East Bay Claims Association News Network • June 2016

Wilhelmina and baby Zion, born on Christmas Day, at Mountain View Emergency Family Shelter in Martinez.

EBCA Helping Family Shelter Facing Major Funding Shortage Shelter, Inc., a chosen charitable beneficiary of the East Bay Claims Association, reports a general funding crisis for their Martinez-based Mountain View Emergency Family Shelter.

As stated in their Spring 2016 newsletter, the shelter is losing some $140,000 - almost 25% of its annual budget - due to shrinking funding sources.

“As the area’s only emergency family shelter housing men, women and children, Mountain View is a critical resource for homeless families,” states the report.

The facility serves a reported 150 men, women and children, helping to transform their lives from living on the streets and bouncing couch-

to-couch to getting back on their feet and into homes.

“By providing one-on-one case management, employment assistance, tutoring and parenting classes, 90% of families are able to move on to stable housing,” the shelter reports.

“The shelter already runs on a tight budget, receiving little government

funding, and relying heavily on volunteers and donated items.”

As an organization and individually as community members, EBCA encourages members to do what they can to help. “Every dollar raised up to $50,000 makes two dollars thanks to a generous matching grant by the Quest Foundation.

EBCA Designated Charitable Beneficiaries Include: 3 Bay Area Crisis Nursery 3 Childrens’ Hospital Oakland 3 Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation 3 Food Bank of Contra Costa & Solano Counties

3 American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

3 Shelter, Inc. - Contra Costa

9

East Bay Claims Association News Network • June 2016

East Bay Claims AssociationNewsNetwork Services Directory

Paid Sponsorship listings directory - for info on being included, call 925-785-7021, or email: lynna@AssociationNewsNetwork.com

CONTRACTORS-ASBESTOS/LEAD/MOLD REMEDIATION

ALLIANCE ENVIRONMENTAL GROUP - Ed Work 4950 Fulton Drive, Suite E www.alliance-enviro.com • (707) 419-7638 Fairfield, CA 94534 info@alliance-enviro.com AMERICAN TECHNOLOGIES, INC. - Kyle Pickett 30911 Wiegman Road kpickett@amer-tech.com • (510) 429-5000 Hayward, CA 94544 Fax (510) 429-5010 JM ENVIRONMENTAL, INC. - John Moore & the JM Team PO Box 2189 www.jmenvironmental.net • (916) 726-0304 Granite Bay, CA 95746-2189 Fax (916) 726-0340 P.W. STEPHENS ENVIRONMENTAL, INC. - Steve MacFarlane/Kim MacFarlane 4047 Clipper Court www.pwstephensinc.com • (510) 651-9506 Fremont, CA 94538 Fax (510) 651-7702

CONTRACTORS - ELECTRICAL

TUCKNOTT ELECTRIC CO. - Robert A. Tucknott, CFLC Forensic Electrical Expert bob@tucknott.com • (925) 931-0800

www.Tucknott.com • Fax (925) 931-0817

CONTRACTORS - GENERAL/RESTORATION

BELFOR USA - Dave Warters/Lisa Schwichtenberg 2365 Industrial Pkwy West (888) 543-3473 • Fax (510) 887-9110 Hayward, CA 94545 david.warters@us.belfor.com CHAD SMITH CONSTRUCTION - Chad Smith 1820 Galindo St. Suite 230 www.chadsmithconstruction.com • (925) 566-8755 Concord, CA 94524 chad@chadsmithconstruction.com • Fax: (925) 566-8757 COAST CONSTRUCTION - Steve Mink/Jodi DeVillier 718 Kennedy St www.CoastConstruction.net • (510) 533-7168 Oakland, CA 94606 24 Hr Em: (510) 773-6379 K2GC GENERAL CONTRACTOR, INC. - Ken Turnage We treat your home as if it were our own, www.K2GCinc.com • (925)754-5232 and value your time as we do our own.

K2GC@comcast .net MARK SCOTT CONSTRUCTION, INC. - Troy Brincat Residential & Commercial msconstruction.com • Pl. Hill: (925) 944-0502 24 Hour Em Service Fairfield: (707) 804-8880 • Stockton: (209) 982-0502 SPRINGS CONSTRUCTION - Jim Atkins 881 Hurlingame Ave. jim@springsconstruction.com • (650) 222-2850 Redwood City, CA 94063 www.SpringsConstruction.com WINGARD CONSTRUCTION - Bror Wingard 24 Hr. Em (800) 232-7150 One-Call Contractor for all your Corp. office: (925) 689-9322 reconstruction needs email@wingardconstruction.com • Lodi: (209) 368-2464

CONTRACTORS - MICROBIAL REMEDIATION

ALLIANCE ENVIRONMENTAL GROUP - Ed Work 4950 Fulton Drive, Suite E www.alliance-enviro.com • (707) 419-7638 Fairfield, CA 94534 info@alliance-enviro.com AMERICAN TECHNOLOGIES, INC. - Kyle Pickett 30911 Wiegman Road kpickett@amer-tech.com • (510) 429-5000 Hayward, CA 94544 Fax (510) 429-5010 BELFOR USA - Dave Warters/Lisa Schwichtenberg 2365 Industrial Pkwy West (888) 543-3473 • Fax (510) 887-9110 Hayward, CA 94545 david.warters@us.belfor.com P.W. STEPHENS ENVIRONMENTAL, INC. - Steve MacFarlane/Kim MacFarlane 4047 Clipper Court www.pwstephensinc.com • (510) 651-9506 Fremont, CA 94538 Fax (510) 651-7702

ELECTRONICS RESTORATION

ERS - ELECTRONICS RESTORATION SERVICE - Andrew Titley 8698 Thornton Ave. www.ers-us.com • (510) 775-1959 Newark, CA 94560 andrew.titley@ers-us.com

ENGINEERS - FORENSIC

I-ENG-A® OF CENTRAL CALIFORNIA A Division of Pauli Engineering, Inc www.pauliengineering.com • (559) 237-4408 Cause & Origin Investigations, Plans for building reconstruction.

ENGINEERS - STRUCTURAL

JR STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING, INC. - John Ehlert 3942 Valley Ave., Suite K www.JRStructural.com • (925) 469-8000 Pleasanton, CA 94566 john@jrstructural.com

FIRE INVESTIGATORS

FIRE CAUSE ANALYSIS - Ulises Castellon, CPCU Serving Clients (800) 726-5939 • Fax: (510) 649-3099 Nationwide! inquiry@fcafire.com

LEAK DETECTION/PLUMBING

AMERICAN LEAK DETECTION - Hillel Salomon P.O. Box 438 (800) 353-LEAK (5325) Berkeley, CA 94701 www.AmericanLeakDetection.com BULL’S EYE LEAK DETECTION - Daniel Spatz P. O. Box 73114 www.BullsEyeLeak.com • (916) 760-8944 Davis, CA 95614 office@bullseyeleak.com • Fax (916) 760-8970

OVERSPRAY REMOVAL

NATIONWIDE OVERSPRAY - Eric Gerencser Benicia, California

www.overspray.net • (925) 408-5909 Safe Overspray Removal eric@overspray.net • (800) 345-1269

PROPERTY RESTORATION - CLOTHING SPECIALISTS

BRIGHT LEAF CLEANERS - Robert Strong Garment Restoration - Bob@blcleaners.com • (925) 455-6000 Nobody CARES about you more Fax (925) 445-6002 CRDN - Steve Depper/Michelle Windsor 2094 Mt. Diablo Blvd.

(877) 939-1588 Walnut Creek, CA 94596 www.crdngba.com FRSTeam - Jim and Courtney Nicholas 3201A Investment Blvd 510-723-1000 Hayward, CA 94545 Natalie Lagorio: nlagorio@frsteam.com

PROPERTY RESTORATION/CONTENTS

AMERICAN TECHNOLOGIES, INC. - Kyle Pickett 30911 Wiegman Road kpickett@amer-tech.com • (510) 429-5000 Hayward, CA 94544 Fax (510) 429-5010 BELFOR USA - Dave Warters/Lisa Schwichtenberg 2365 Industrial Pkwy West (888) 543-3473 • Fax (510) 887-9110 Hayward, CA 94545 david.warters@us.belfor.com MS VITAL RESTORATION, INC. (a division of Mark Scott Construction, Inc.) 2835 Contra Costa Blvd 1-800-944-0502 Pleasant Hill 94523 Info@MSVitalRestoration.com SERVICEMASTER OF LIVERMORE/HAYWARD - Bassam Kneizeh/Kelly Banducci 1001 Shannon Ct. Ste C (925) 960-1377 Livermore, CA 94550 Fax (925) 960-1376 SERVICEMASTER OF NAPA COUNTY, VALLEJO & BENICIA - Eric Larson/Lynn Fuller P. O. Box 6867 smnvb@interx.net • (800) 648-1608 Napa, CA 94581 Fax (707) 257-1608 SERVICEMASTER OF OAKLAND/ALAMEDA - Jean Hughes 14498 Wicks Blvd servicemastereastbay@comcast.net • (510) 351-0581 San Leandro, CA 94577-6712 Fax (510) 351-4704 SERVICEMASTER OF SAN MATEO/SAN FRANCISCO - David Decker 439 Eccles Ave. david@smsanfran.com • (650) 593-4700 S. San Francisco, CA 94080 Fax (650) 873-6334 SERVICEMASTER RESTORATION SERVICES - Robert Scott Serving Contra Costa rscott@sharjo.com • (800) 480-TIDY & Marin Counties www.svmcleaning-restoration.com

Deadline for all Submissions for the next issue is

June 17, 2016

info@AssociationNewsNetwork.com • 925-785-7021

10

East Bay Claims Association News Network • June 2016

POSITIONS AVAILABLE

PROJECT MANAGER(S)

ATI - American Technologies Inc’s Sacramento Office is looking for professional Project Manager(s) skilled in estimating and managing property repair losses. Also looking for a PM that can estimate and manage contents losses. Must be proficient in Xactimate. IICRC training and certifications a plus. Check us out on-line at: www.ATIrestoration.com. Contact: Office Manager Raquel Romine: 916-388-2440, C: 916-214-7654, Raquel.Romine@ATIrestoration.com.

CLAIMS INDUSTRY PLACEMENTS Gary E. Mingus, GEM Search Group provides both Temporary, Temp to Hire and Direct Hire placements in the Insurance Industry also, placing Vendors related to the Insurance Industry. Call Gary Mingus 866-9354426 or email to Gary@GEMSearchgroup.com. Serving the Insurance Industry since 1995.

Submit Your Job Connection ad to:

Choose from Four (5) Monthly Editions - Four Print + Online Edition: Up to 50 words just $45 (just 50¢/word thereafter)

Run Your Ad Network-Wide for a net rate of just $180/mo.

Next Deadline for submissions is June 17, 2016 call 209-229-8240 or email info@AssociationNewsNetwork.com

San Francisco/San Mateo/Mtn View 800/439-8833

Novato

415/493-2211

Napa County/Vallejo/Benicia 800/648-1608

Concord

800/480-TIDY

Oakland/Alameda 510/351-0581

Livermore/Hayward 925/960-1377

Fire • Water • Smoke • Odor • Mold • Trauma • Vandalism Residential • Commercial

www.servicemasterclean.com

The East Bay Claims Association News Network© is a production of Association News Network, Inc. Published monthly as a free service to the EBCA with a commitment and dedication to the promotion and betterment of this professional organization. The views and comments expressed within the articles herein do not necessarily reflect the views of A.N.N., Inc. or EBCA. Both the publisher and the association assume no responsibility for any opinions and/or statements offered by contributing authors to the publication. Acceptance of advertising material does not constitute endorsement of the products or services offered. A.N.N., Inc. reserves the right to reject any advertising copy or placement. We encourage industry support of this professional organization - its monthly newsletter publication and web site.

Go to: www.EastBayAdjusters.org Bryan Harrison, Publisher

Bryan@AssociationNewsNetwork.com • 925.708.5569

Lynna Harrison, Customer Services Manager

Lynna@AssociationNewsNetwork.com • 925.785.7021 © 1993-2016, all rights reserved • Association News Network, Inc. • www.AssociationNewsNetwork.com 2455 Naglee Rd. #263 . Tracy, CA 95304 • 209.229.8240

11

East Bay Claims Association News Network • June 2016

More Than Two Dozen Charged in Staged Collision Auto Insurance Fraud Scheme Elaborate organized ring, one of the largest in Fresno history FRESNO, Calif. - In one of the largest arrest operations in Fresno history, detectives from the California Department of Insurance, fanned out across the valley and southland areas to arrest more than two dozen people on multiple felony counts of insurance fraud for allegedly staging auto collisions to scam more than four insurance companies out of tens of thousands of dollars.

The suspects allegedly submitted 26 fraudulent insurance claims totaling more than $140,000. Once the insurers paid the claim, the

suspects pocketed the proceeds and did not repair damaged vehicles. Department of Insurance detectives, along with Fresno County District Attorney investigators, launched an investigation after receiving suspected fraud referrals from the insurance company. The California State Automobile Association Insurance Group was instrumental in assisting detectives with uncovering the fraud.

“California is ground zero for auto insurance fraud,” said Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones.

“Insurance fraud costs insurers billions every year and those costs are all passed along to consumers through higher insurance premiums. Bottom line-everyone pays for insurance fraud.”

Evidence revealed the suspects orchestrated an elaborate scheme to defraud insurers with paper collisions that never occurred or by intentionally damaging vehicles to submit fraudulent claims.

The organized ring recruited some co-conspirators with promises of cash or fixing their previously damaged vehicles. Another ele-

ment of scheme included stealing people’s identities to submit fraudulent claims.

Suspects were booked into the Fresno County Jail. The Fresno County District Attorney is prosecuting this case.

As of 5/10/16, 15 suspects are in custody with more arrests to come.

Arrest photos can be viewed on CDI’s Flickr: https://www.flickr. com/photos/ca_dept_insurance/ albums/72157667803920982

Ventura Man Convicted A Second Time for Investment Scam Targeting Seniors Authorities concerned there are more victims VENTURA, Calif. - Rod Scott Hormell, 59, of Ventura, pleaded guilty on May 23, to two felony counts, including fraudulent sale of securities and theft from an elder with a special enhancement for theft over $100,000. Hormell was sentenced to five years in state prison and ordered to pay $100,000 restitution to his victim.

Acting as a financial planner, Hormell convinced a woman in 2003 to invest $100,000 in RRV Group, which he represented as a senior board and care housing development, which turned out to be a scam. Hormell kept the rouse going by sending the victim spreadsheets that reflected a profit for her investment.

After the victim passed away, her daughter and only beneficiary, attempted to

contact Hormell, but was unable to locate him. An Internet search led her to find Hormell was convicted for financial crimes against seniors in 2013.

The victim's daughter contacted the Ventura County Sheriff's office, which led to an investigation by the Sheriff's Major Crimes Division. After a search warrant uncovered insurance documents, the Sheriff called on the Department of Insurance Investigation Division for their insurance crime expertise.

Evidence revealed there was no senior board and care housing development and the security was a fraud. Hormell was convicted of a similar financial elder abuse crime in 2013 where he acted as an elderly woman's financial planner and

scammed her out of $65,000. Following Hormell's first conviction in 2013, the Department of Insurance permanently revoked his agent's license-a revocation he defied when he continued targeting seniors with his investment and financial plan scams.

"Hormell is every consumer's worst nightmare," said Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones. "After being convicted once and having his agent license permanently revoked, he continued to defy the revocation and heartlessly scam seniors."

Hormell was arrested May 11, 2015 on the new charges and remained incarcerated until his conviction this week.

Authorities are concerned Hormell may have more victims that are unaware they

are holding bogus investment securities.

Anyone who used Hormell as a financial planner should contact the Department of Insurance toll-free hotline at 800927-4357.

The Department of Insurance has issued an Insurance Wide Industry Ban and Cease and Desist Order to Hormell, which bars him from transacting insurance business. Formal sentencing is scheduled for June 21 in Ventura County Superior Court.

This case was prosecuted by the Ventura County District Attorney's office.

TO:

First Class Postage

Association News Network, Inc.

2455 Naglee Rd #263 Tracy, CA 95304 Return Service Requested

Attend The Next EBCA Luncheon Meeting

www.EastBayAdjusters.org

Then July 22nd for the 15th Annual EBCA Golf Tournament

Register NOW to Attend the 23rd Annual

Sept 14-16, 2016 Hyatt Regency Downtown Sacramento

Wednesday, June 8, 2016

Vic Massenkoff Investigator Fire Investigation Unit

“Investigating Indoor Marijuana Grow & Butane Hash Oil Lab Fires”

www.ClaimsConference.org Eagle Vines Golf Course, Napa

Thanks to Grand Sponsor CRDN — see page 4

— see page 7

JM ENVIRONMENTAL, INC.

HAZARDOUS MATERIALS ABATEMENT and DEMOLITION 916-726-0304 | www.jmenv.com EVERY JOB is a SELF PORTRAIT of the company who performs it.

We autograph our work with EXCELLENCE!

ASBESTOS ABATEMENT | LEAD REMOVAL | DEMOLITION MOLD | BIO-HAZARD REMEDIATION | DRUG LAB REMEDIATION