Sacramento Man Arrested for Workers’ Comp Fraud

A five-month investigation by the California Department of Insurance Criminal Investigations Branch has led to the arrest of a Sacramento man for insurance fraud. Richard Wayne Bento, 30, was arrested earlier this week on five felony counts of workers’ compensation insurance fraud.

If convicted, Bento could face up to five years in state prison and a maximum fine up to $50,000. The Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case. According to investigators, Bento was employed as a security guard with Inter-Con Security.

After one week of employment, Bento filed a workers’ compensation claim with Republic Indemnity Insurance Company indicating he had injured his right ankle at work and was unable to perform his duties.

In April of 2000, Bento was captured on videotape moving furniture from one residence to another without signs of pain or discomfort. According to investigators, Bento was monitored moving large items, including a sofa, television, refrigerator, and cabinets.

In a subsequent deposition, Bento stated that during April 2000, he was only able to unload two 10-pound bags of groceries, one in each hand, for a total of four or five trips. Bento also stated that the heaviest thing he could push was his daughter’s 40-pound stroller.

As a result of Mr. Bento’s statements, Republic Indemnity Insurance Co. incurred losses over $20,000.