Former Bridezilla Surrenders in California For Felony Insurance Fraud
Anita Maxwell, who was featured in season four of the television reality series “Bridezillas,” has surrendered herself to the Superior Court of California in Los Angeles County on 14 felony counts associated with insurance fraud.
A California Department of Insurance investigation revealed that Maxwell, 55, allegedly submitted fraudulent documents and made false claims to receive more than $40,000 in undeserved workers’ compensation benefits.
The CDI investigation began in 2012 after Maxwell allegedly claimed she injured her neck, back and shoulder while assisting a patient as a clinical partner. While out on workers’ comp, Maxwell reportedly lied to her doctor, denying she had prior injuries to her neck, back and shoulder.
See a YouTube video of Maxwell’s appearance on the show
Maxwell also allegedly submitted false mileage forms for her supposed travel to and from doctors and physical therapy appointments. Surveillance conducted during the investigation showed Maxwell on more than a dozen occasions commuting to her appointments from a different location than the one she reported to her insurer. The fraudulent mileage forms submitted resulted in over $5,000 in undeserved mileage reimbursement, according to CDI
This case will be prosecuted by the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office.
“Taking advantage of the workers’ compensation system is not only illegal, but costly to all Californians who pay for this fraud through higher premiums,” California Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones said in a statement. “These types of fraudulent claims are an insult to legitimately injured workers.”