Miami-Dade Makes Arrests In Home Insurance Scam

MIAMI, FL -- Miami-Dade State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle announced the arrest of 35 people Tuesday in connection with an investigation into phony home insurance claims.

The alleged kingpin of the scam was identified as Barbara Maria Diaz de Villegas, a 32-year-old public adjuster, who was charged with racketeering violations and other offenses along with her father, who was identified as 59-year-old Jose Gonzalez.

"She was the essential element of these insurance frauds which at the end of the day really make all of us a victim," said Fernandez Rundle.

Others facing charges include a plumber/handyman, water mitigation specialist and insurance agent. They each face up to 30 years in jail.

Some 25 homeowners, who were recruited to submit phony insurance claims, were in the process of being arrested, according to Fernandez Rundle.

The homeowners live in Miami, Hialeah, Aventura, Miami Gardens and Homestead, the state attorney's office said.

Fernandez Rundle was joined by Florida’s Chief Financial Officer, Jimmy Patronis, and representatives of the Miami-Dade Police Department and Statewide Prosecutor's Office in announcing the arrests.

Fernandez Rundle said everyone who pays for insurance was a victim of the scam.

"We pay for it in the form of higher insurance premiums," she said.