Georgia Arrests 19 Suspects in Insurance Fraud Ring

Georgia Insurance Commissioner John W. Oxendine said arrest warrants have been issued on 19 suspects in an insurance fraud ring that allegedly collected $995,641.75 in misappropriated claims from a Japanese insurance company.

The suspected ringleader, Ken Dewberry, 42, of Lawrenceville, worked for Sompo Japan Insurance Co. of America at the time the theft occurred — March 1, 2001 to March 30, 2004. He has been charged with 30 counts of theft by taking, as well as charges under the federal Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO)
Act.

“Someone at the Sompo Atlanta office was changing the names and addresses of vendors and then requesting and distributing medical claim checks to people that had not performed any services on the claimants,” Oxendine said. “Our investigation has led us
to suspect Ken Dewberry.”

A total of 473 checks were issued to 21 different individuals. Oxendine said the checks were cashed by the individuals, who typically kept some money for themselves and then passed the rest to Dewberry.

Dewberry’s financial records during the time of loss show approximately $154,000 in unexplained deposits into his checking and savings accounts. Also, personal connections can be drawn between Dewberry and nearly all of the check recipients, many of whom he knew from previously living in New York.

A total of 19 suspects will be charged under the RICO Act in connection with the case, and other charges are possible, Oxendine said.