Tall Order for Fast Food Cook

Following a six-month investigation, Jose Rodea Ramirez of South Gate was arrested on workersÕ comp insurance fraud charges. On June 16, 1995, while working as a cook at El Pollo Loco, Ramirez allegedly slipped on a wet floor and fell, injuring his right knee and lower back. The 29-year-old man filed disability claims with GAB Robbins North America (GAB), his employerÕs TPA, and with the Employment Development Department (EDD). During a WorkersÕ Compensation Appeals Board hearing and in depositions, Ramirez denied having worked during the time he received workersÕ comp and disability benefits. Witnesses contradicted his statements, saying that they saw the suspect working as a cook at another El Pollo location following his injury. As a result of RamirezÕs alleged fraudulent activities, GAB paid out $29,429 and EDD paid out $5,261.