Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia highlights 45 arrests in July as Florida continues its fight against fraud

Tallahassee, Florida – Florida Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia is highlighting 45 arrests made in July as state investigators continue their efforts to uncover fraudulent activity and protect Floridians from financial crimes.

The arrests followed investigations by the Florida Department of Financial Services Criminal Investigations Division. The cases were handled through several specialized units, including the Bureau of Insurance Fraud, the Bureau of Public Assistance Fraud, and the Bureau of Fire, Arson, and Explosives Investigations.

Ingoglia said the July arrests reflect the continued work of investigators who are pursuing suspected fraudulent schemes across the state. He also issued a warning to people who attempt to take advantage of Florida residents.

“There is no safe place in Florida for criminals to hide. My office has continued to stay one step ahead to dismantle fraudulent schemes as fraudsters try to exploit Floridians time and time again. As we continue to highlight the hard work of my investigators, let this be another reminder that if you are stealing from Floridians, you will end up in handcuffs and behind bars.”

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The Bureau of Insurance Fraud accounted for 22 of the arrests reported in July. Those investigations involved a total of $1.3 million in alleged fraud.

One of the largest cases involved a workers’ compensation fraud scheme that investigators said was allegedly conducted by Juan Carlos Roque Hernandez and Alma Torres Levia. The reported loss in that case totaled $408,416, making it the largest loss identified in the bureau’s July investigations.

Public assistance fraud was another major area of enforcement during the month. Investigations by the Bureau of Public Assistance Fraud resulted in seven arrests involving a total of $190,183 in public assistance benefits that investigators said were fraudulently obtained.

Among those arrested was Takila Mckenzie. Investigators said she fraudulently obtained $41,351 by concealing her income and making false statements. The department identified that amount as the highest total connected to a public assistance fraud case in July for the Criminal Investigations Division.

The state’s work on public assistance cases also extended beyond arrests. Ten cases were presented for criminal prosecution during July, with those cases totaling $205,059.

Another 27 cases were referred for administrative action. Those cases represented $108,737 in alleged fraud. Depending on a person’s previous violation history, an administrative referral can result in disqualification from receiving SNAP benefits for 12 months, 24 months or permanently.

Investigators with the Bureau of Fire, Arson, and Explosives Investigations also assisted with enforcement activity during the month. The bureau was involved in 16 arrests, with a potential dollar loss of $113,669 connected to those investigations.

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The figures highlight the range of work being carried out by the Department of Financial Services Criminal Investigations Division. Rather than focusing on a single type of fraud, investigators are handling cases involving insurance, public assistance and investigations connected to fire, arson and explosives.

State officials continue to urge residents to report suspected fraud. Information from members of the public can help investigators identify possible schemes and determine whether further action is needed.

Ingoglia encouraged anyone who has knowledge of suspected fraudulent activity to report it through FraudFreeFlorida.com, the reporting resource operated by the Florida Department of Financial Services.

The department’s July enforcement figures come as Florida continues efforts to address fraud and protect funds intended for individuals, businesses and public programs. The arrests and referrals represent allegations, and those accused remain entitled to due process as their cases move through the appropriate legal or administrative processes.