tod evans
03-09-2014, 04:02 AM
Deputy U.S. Marshal in S. A. arrested on 13-count federal indictment
http://www.kens5.com/home/Deputy-US-Marshal-in-San-Antonio-arrested-on-13-count-federal-indictment-248876961.html?hpt=ju_bn2
SAN ANTONIO -- A deputy U.S. Marshal in San Antonio was arrested on allegations of insurance fraud on Thursday. The 13-count federal indictment charges aggravated identity theft, wire fraud and making false statements to federal agents, according to a press release sent out by the U.S. Attorney's Office's Southern District of Texas.
U.S. Marshal Robert Almonte, with the Western District of Texas, said the arrest of one of his own is shocking and dissapointing.
"(It's) something you don't want to hear but the reality is these things happen," said Almonte.
Reynaldo Gonzalez, 37, made his first appearance before a judge in San Antonio at 3 p.m. on Thursday.
The U.S. Marshal is accused of filing several fraudulent claims with the American Family Life Assurance Company. The release states Gonzalez received multiple checks from AFLAC to pay for medical treatment that Gonzalez never underwent.
"To accomplish the fraud, Gonzalez used a physician’s signature and tax identification number without the physician’s knowledge or consent," according to the charges.
The press release states Gonzalez subsequently made false statements to investigating federal agents, claiming he had received legitimate medical treatment, when in fact the doctor hadn't seen Gonzalez since 2007.
The insurance fraud scheme allegedly took place from Feb. 4, 2008, through March 24, 2009.
"Anytime these situations occur it's dissapointing but it's important to remember these are allegations and he still needs to have his day in court," said Almonte.
Almonte said Gonzalez is on administrative leave with pay pending the investigation.
Gonzalez has been with the Marshal's service for six years and moved to the San Antonio office in April of 2013.
If convicted, Gonzalez faces up to 50 years in prison -- 20 years for the six wire fraud charges and five years for each of Gonzalez's six counts of making false statements.
"Aggravated identity theft carries as possible punishment another mandatory two-year-term which must be served consecutively to any other prison term imposed," according to the press release. "Each count could also include a fine of up to $250,000."
The investigation into Gonzalez was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Office of the Inspector General.
http://www.kens5.com/home/Deputy-US-Marshal-in-San-Antonio-arrested-on-13-count-federal-indictment-248876961.html?hpt=ju_bn2
SAN ANTONIO -- A deputy U.S. Marshal in San Antonio was arrested on allegations of insurance fraud on Thursday. The 13-count federal indictment charges aggravated identity theft, wire fraud and making false statements to federal agents, according to a press release sent out by the U.S. Attorney's Office's Southern District of Texas.
U.S. Marshal Robert Almonte, with the Western District of Texas, said the arrest of one of his own is shocking and dissapointing.
"(It's) something you don't want to hear but the reality is these things happen," said Almonte.
Reynaldo Gonzalez, 37, made his first appearance before a judge in San Antonio at 3 p.m. on Thursday.
The U.S. Marshal is accused of filing several fraudulent claims with the American Family Life Assurance Company. The release states Gonzalez received multiple checks from AFLAC to pay for medical treatment that Gonzalez never underwent.
"To accomplish the fraud, Gonzalez used a physician’s signature and tax identification number without the physician’s knowledge or consent," according to the charges.
The press release states Gonzalez subsequently made false statements to investigating federal agents, claiming he had received legitimate medical treatment, when in fact the doctor hadn't seen Gonzalez since 2007.
The insurance fraud scheme allegedly took place from Feb. 4, 2008, through March 24, 2009.
"Anytime these situations occur it's dissapointing but it's important to remember these are allegations and he still needs to have his day in court," said Almonte.
Almonte said Gonzalez is on administrative leave with pay pending the investigation.
Gonzalez has been with the Marshal's service for six years and moved to the San Antonio office in April of 2013.
If convicted, Gonzalez faces up to 50 years in prison -- 20 years for the six wire fraud charges and five years for each of Gonzalez's six counts of making false statements.
"Aggravated identity theft carries as possible punishment another mandatory two-year-term which must be served consecutively to any other prison term imposed," according to the press release. "Each count could also include a fine of up to $250,000."
The investigation into Gonzalez was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Office of the Inspector General.