Let’s Go to the Videotape

Following a joint investigation by the CDI Criminal Investigation Bureau and the Wal-Mart Corporate Claims Investigation Unit, Jennelle Nanleen Allen of Madera County was arrested on workers’ compensation fraud charges by the CDI and Madera District Attorney’s Office investigators.

According to CDI investigators, Allen reported an alleged back injury while employed at a Madera County Wal-Mart. She eventually received more than $15,000 in benefits and medical treatments. Soon after the reported injury, Allen was placed under surveillance by private investigators who videotaped her on several occasions working at her boyfriend’s mini-market without apparent difficulty.

When Allen contacted a doctor for her follow-up examination, she stated that she was still unable to work due to her inability to move without pain. Allen was unaware the doctor had viewed the videotaped surveillance of her working with no apparent pain. After being confronted with this evidence, Allen admitted to working at her boyfriend’s mini-market. If convicted, Allen could face up to five years in state prison and/or fines up to $15,000.