Teachers Assistant Never Learned Workers Comp Fraud Does Not Pay

Teachers Assistant Charged with Several Felony Counts

It appears someone did not learn the lesson that crime does not pay.

According to a report from the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, a teaching assistant was taken into custody for several felony counts of workers compensation fraud.

The DA’s office noted that Gerard Padilla, 45, was arrested and charged with five felony counts of comp fraud. Padilla, who has been working with the Los Angeles County Office of Education, reportedly filed a claim alleging that he suffered a back injury while assisting to end a fight in a classroom.

Made Up Story About Injury from School Fight

Authorities learned that Padilla, who was working in the Antelope Valley Principle Administrative Unit, did not suffer any injuries as he claimed, nor did he provide any evidence of a work-related injury.

In March of 2009, Padilla reportedly went to a physician for a first evaluation, whereby he again noted he was injured in a school fight. A month later, he reportedly gave false statements related to the injury to an investigator. In December of that year at a deposition, he is alleged to have provided false testimony tied to the injury. In the end, investigators concluded that Padilla made up the story.

Could Be in State Prison Up to Five Years

If Padilla is found guilty on all the counts, he could be in state prison for up to five years.

Author Michael B. Stack, CPA, Director of Operations, Amaxx Risk Solutions, Inc. is an expert in employer communication systems and part of the Amaxx team helping companies reduce their workers compensation costs by 20% to 50%. He is a writer, speaker, and website publisher. www.reduceyourworkerscomp.com. Contact: mstack@reduceyourworkerscomp.com.