Final defendant convicted in Aflac insurance fraud scam [The Monitor, McAllen, Texas]

March 27--MCALLEN -- The final defendant in a scam to bilk millions from the American Family Life Assurance Company was convicted this week, U.S. Attorney Kenneth Magidson announced in a news release Monday.

Edinburg resident Maria Guzman, 42, pleaded guilty to making false statements relating to healthcare matters, the release says.

Guzman is the last of 36 area individuals charged in June 2011 for various roles in a conspiracy that netted more than $3 million from the company commonly known as Aflac, according to authorities. The group worked with doctors in Reynosa to file some 22,000 false injury claims from the Columbus, Ga., Aflac claims department.

Guzman was a holder of Aflac's accident-only insurance plan from 2005 to 2010 and delivered lists of accidents to the doctors, who filed reports of fake injuries in exchange for a $15 kickback, according to the release.

The injuries reported by Guzman and the others -- including bumps, bruises and minor burns -- netted as little as $100 per claim, but reduced the scrutiny that would have come with more serious injuries and larger cash benefits.

An investigation dubbed "Operation Sitting Duck" resulted in the arrests of Hidalgo County employees, teachers and members of law enforcement in connection with the fraud.

Guzman will face a sentencing hearing June 29 and could receive up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine and other mandatory restitution.

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Elizabeth Findell covers Pharr, San Juan, Alamo, the Mid-Valley and general assignments for The Monitor. She can be reached at [email protected] and (956) 683-4428.

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