The Amador County District Attorney’s Office, in conjunction with the Calaveras County District Attorney’s Office, obtained a “no contest” plea to a single count of insurance fraud from an auto body shop owner in Valley Springs, Calif., as a result of its investigation.
Larry Robbins, owner of Frank’s Frame and Body Shop, was sentenced to 36 months felony probation, 60 hours of community service, ordered to surrender his Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) license and pay approximately $28,000 in restitution.
The investigation involved post-repair inspections of vehicles repaired by Robbins’ shop. Farmers Insurance, SIU Major Operations Unit, conducted post-repair inspections on Farmers insured vehicles and supplied the inspection documentation to the Amador County District Attorney’s Office and the BAR for investigation. In 2011, the California Attorney General, on behalf of the BAR, filed formal accusations, alleging fraud, misleading statements and departure from accepted trade standards.
“This case illustrates the cost of fraud for auto repair shops and owners," said Sean Zavala, Farmers Director of Special Investigations. "The shop owner has been ordered to surrender his BAR license and pay significant restitution. We will assist law enforcement on criminal matters and file our own civil actions when appropriate to deter anyone who submits a false insurance claim. It’s our commitment to our policyholders to protect their premium dollars."
