Salesman Accused of Benefits Fraud

After a six-month investigation, Ventura County prosecutors have filed fraud charges against a Ventura salesman for allegedly submitting false workers’ compensation claims.

Louie Patrick Camarillo, 31, was arrested last week and charged with 15 counts of felony insurance fraud. He was released after posting a $10,000 bond and promising to appear for a June 8 arraignment, authorities said.

Camarillo faces up to five years in prison if convicted on any one of the charges, as well as fines topping $50,000.

Prosecutors announced the filing of charges against Camarillo on Tuesday. The investigation was conducted by both the district attorney’s office and the state Department of Insurance fraud division.

Prosecutors say Camarillo presented a claim for workers’ compensation benefits last October after allegedly sustaining a back injury while working as a salesman for Frito Lay Inc.

As a result of his claim, Camarillo was declared temporarily disabled and received disability benefits for two months, according to prosecutors.

But an investigation revealed that Camarillo was working a second job while collecting those benefits, authorities say. Camarillo could not be reached for comment Tuesday.