east bay claims association news network - june 2016

June 2016Volume XXIV Number VI

w w w. E a s t B a y A d j u s t e r s . o r g

Since 1993 with East Bay!

at

Zio Fraedo’s 611 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523

— see page 7

WednesdayJune 8, 2016

Join the EBCA for our next Luncheon Meeting of the New Year!

as we welcome guest speaker

Vic MassenkoffInvestigator Fire Investigation Unit

Contra Costa County Fire Protection District

Investigating Indoor

Lab Fires at June ebCa

July 22nd - 15th Annual EBCA Golf Tournament

Sept 14-16, 2016 Hyatt Regency Downtown Sacramento

www.ClaimsConference.org

Register NOW to Attend the 23rd Annual

2 East Bay Claims Association News Network • June 2016

The East Bay Claims Association is a charitable and educational organization that is dedicated to the betterment of Insurance Claims Professionals, through: continuing education; industry knowledge and contacts; and a strong commitment to integrity and respect in networking.

2 0 1 6 O F F I C E R S

Vice PresidentMichelle Windsor-BaughMan

CRDN(925) 872-6333

[email protected]

Im. Past PresidentJoe BaughMan

SRI Environmental(925) 788-3875

[email protected]

Secretaryandrea latiMer

Alliance Environmental Group(707) 673-3252

[email protected]

PresidentgeMMa houserPaul Davis Restoration(510) 803-7069

[email protected]

TreasurerJohn ehlert

JR Structural(925) 469-8000

[email protected]

As per the East Bay Claims Associaiton bylaws, 2016 Presdient Gemma Houser will announce her appointments for 2016 EBCA Board Of Directors from the membership soon

Register NOWfor the 15th Annual

East Bay Claims Association

Golf TournamentFriday, July 22, 2016

at Eagle Vines Golf Course

in the Napa Valley 580 South Kelly Road

Sponsorships and Foursomes are filling up. go to

www.EastBayAdjusters.org

Lic. #682814

Residential & CommercialReconstruction

24 hour emergency service

Pleasant Hill - Maint: 925-944-0502

Stocktont: 209-982-0502

Fairfieldt: 707-864-8880

msconstruction.com

MARK SCOTTconstruction, inc.

1-800-345-1269

www.nationwideoverspray.com

The Finest Name in Safe Overspray Removal

Nationwide Mobile Crews – Immediate ResponseISO 9001:2008 Certified

East Bay Claims Association News Network • June 2016 3

• 2016 EBCA Officers

• EBCA 2016 Schedule of Upcoming Events

• Bowling Tournament Fundraiser - Wounded Warrior Project

• Summer is upon us... EBCA 2016-’17 President Gemma Houser

• Einhaus Shares Techniques for “Using Mindfulness as a Tool in Claims Adjusting” at May EBCA

• Investigating Indoor Marijuana Grow and Butane Hash Oil Lab Fires at June EBCA

• EBCA Helping Family Shelter Facing Major Funding Shortage - Shelter Inc. needs our help

• East Bay Claims A.N.N. Services Directory

• Association News Network Job Connection classifieds

• News From the Department of Insurance

234567

891011

JUNE 2016VOLUME XXIV . NUMBER VI

www.EastBayAdjusters.org

Luncheon Meetings -2nd Wednesdays of most months:

• JUNE 8, 2016 Vic Massenkoff, Investigating Indoor Marijuana Grow & Butane Hash Oil Lab Fires

• Friday, July 22, 2016 15th Annual EBCA Gold Tournament - Eagle Vines Golf Course, Napa • AUGUST 10, 2016 Craig Pusser, AAA SUI, “Fraudulent Claims” • SEPT 14-16, 2016 23rd Annual Claims Conference of N. California www.ClaimsConference.org • OCT 12, 2016 Jim Nolt, JH Nolt Associates “Things That Burn In The Night” • NOV 9, 2016 EBCA Bowling Tournament - Danville Bowl 3-5pm • DECEMBER, 2016 Holiday Party-Charity Speakers

EBCA Mission Statement:The East Bay Claims Association is a charitable and edu-cational organization that is dedicated to the betterment of Insurance Claims Professionals, through: continuing education; industry knowledge and contacts; and a strong commitment to integrity and respect in networking.In order to accomplish this mission, the Association pro-vides a forum and network for insurance claims profes-sionals to meet and share information. This forum and fundraising events held by the group also help to connect insurance claims professionals in local communities and expands public awareness of the work performed by insur-ance claims professionals.

EBCA Schedule of Upcoming Events

Association meetings held at:Zio Fraedo’s Restaurant

611 Gregory LanePleasant Hill, CA

East Bay Claims Association25A Crescent Drive, #266Pleasant Hill, CA 94523


REGISTER SOON @

www.EastBayAdjusters.org 580 South Kelly Road


June 2016 Message from2016-2017 EBCA PresidentGemma Houser

...and I’m looking forward to spending lots of time outside with my family.My granddad is coming from England, so I’m looking forward to also spending some quality time with him. I hope you all have some exciting plans for the summer months.A big thank you to Steve Einhaus from Einhaus Adjusting for speaking at our April luncheon. Thanks, also, to our centerpiece sponsor, CRDN. I’m sorry that I missed the meeting but I had two sick kids at home. Trust me, I would have much rather have been at the meeting. Thanks Joe for filling in for me and running the meeting. We are still looking for center-piece sponsors so, those inter-ested, please see Donna Topp with Units.I’m really excited to announce our speaker for June is Vic Massenkoff, from Contra Costa Fire Protection District. He will be speaking on Investigating Indoor Marijuana Grow and Butane Hash Oil Lab Fires. This is sure to be a very interesting topic and I can’t wait to hear what he has to say. Information and registration for the event is posted on our website.Our annual golf tournament is

coming up on July 22nd. We are pleased to be back at Eagle Vines in Napa. For sponsorship and foursome information please contact Joe Baughman. This year our theme is an open theme, so each hole is open to be decorated as each sponsor wants. The golfers will vote on the best decorated hole at the end of the day. Once you have paid for your sponsorship your logo will go up on the website. A big thank you to our Grand Sponsor, CRDN. We also have CCNC coming up on September 14th-16th at the Hyatt in Sacramento. There will be lots of educational courses to choose from and over 60 ex-hibitors. If you are interested in sponsoring the event please see Jennifer Pinney. For more infor-mation about the event please visit www.claimsconference.org Our first-ever EBCA Bowling Tournament is slated to take place on November 9th. This will be a great social event, as well as a charitable drive. Jen-nifer Pinney and Amaya Fine will have more information, as well as sponsorship oppor-tunities available soon. Funds raised will go to The Wounded

Warrior Project, so plan to come out and support this amazing organization.Our Membership Drive for 2016 is ongoing. Our associa-tion depends on our members so please make sure to renew/join now. You can go to our website www.eastbayadjusters.org to become a member, or feel free to contact our Membership Chair, Lynna Harrison: [email protected], or call her at (925) 785-7021 for more information. I encourage you to bring new people to our meetings. Please do not forget to respond to our Evite or call Andrea Latimer at (707) 673-3252. It’s simple to purchase your lunch now online at www.eastbayadjusters.org. I look forward to seeing you at the May meeting. Please don’t forget to pay on-line and RSVP. Respectfully,

Summer is upon us...

GemmaGemma Houser2016-’17 President, EBCAPaul Davis Restoration(510) [email protected]

WATER DAMAGE CLAIMS• Electronic Leak Detection & Repair• Sub-Slab Plumbing• Sewer Line Video Scans• Pools, Spas & Fountains

800-353-LEAKwww.AmericanLeakDetection.com


Einhaus Shares Techniques for “Using Mindfulness As a Tool in Claims Adjusting” at May EBCALong time member and supporter of the East Bay Claims Association, Steve Einhaus, treated the May 11, 2016 Luncheon crowd with an insightful look at “using mindful-ness as a tool in claims adjusting”.

By Lynna Harrison

EBCA Past President, Joe Baughman, congratulates Jenni-fer Pinney, the winner of the May 50/50 Raffle drawing.

“I am not an expert, I am just an adjuster,” he said at the outset. Mr. Einhaus has been an adjuster since 1978, having opened his own Company in 2008.“What is Mindfulness?,” he que-ried. “It is being there, present, in the moment,” he explained. “Mindfulness is concentration. Moment to moment awareness of our thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations & surrounding envi-ronment,” he added.Einhaus used the Warrior Bas-ketball MVP Steph Curry as an example. He joked that he would like his own wife to call him “Steph”.The brain is very complex and we use very little of it, he observed.

Steve explained that he has been studying the brain for 20 years.“It is in our DNA to be watchful,” he told the crowd. He provided direct techniques to remember. “It takes about five positives to overcome a negative. Visualize a calm lake when dealing with negative people. Take a deep breath. Something positive almost always comes out of a negative,” he stated.Steve gave an example using a trainer in Costa Rica that was reaching out to a wild Monkey with food, and the monkey final-ly put his hand in the trainer’s.He urged everyone to “activate positive mindfulness finding

words that work for you,” he said. “Realize the ultimate possibilities that, and there are no limits.”Einhaus’ remarks could effec-tively begin to help shift the way in which claims people interact with their insureds and claimants.

EBCA Speaker Chair, Jodi DeVillier, thanks guest speaker for the May luncheon, Independent Adjuster Steve Einhaus.

Peter Doherty, of Emergency Packout Company, with EBCA member Ben Daily, of Engineering Design & Testing.

April Wilkinson, above right, with new FRSTeam folks (l-r): Talon Cutsinger, Marco Rodriguez and Maria Tejeda at the May EBCA luncheon meeting.

Tracy Lo, with PT&C LWG Consulting, and Elizabeth Clar with Abatix.

Adjuster Anthony Battles with Lisa Winn, now of Premier Construction.

Long time EBCA Board Member Steve Muir, with AAA.EBCA Board member, Kathleen Taylor, left, with Lisa Mendez, of Caliber Collision. .


WednesdayJune 8, 2016

Join the EBCA for the next Luncheon Meeting of the Year!

as we welcome guest speaker

at

Zio Fraedo’s 611 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523

11:15am Check-inLuncheon 12:00 noon - 1:00pm

FREE to 2016 Adjuster Members - Adjusters Now Join for FREE (suggested $10 donation to the EBCA Charitable Fund)

$45 Non-Members/Guests or No Reservations

$35 for current paid 2016 Associate MembersPurchase your lunch online, at:www.EastBayAdjusters.org

Otherwise, for payment by cash or check at the door, please make reservations now with

2016 EBCA Secretary, Andrea Latimer:707-673-3252 • [email protected]

Vic Massenkoff“Investigating Indoor Marijuana Grow &

Butane Hash Oil Lab Fires”

Investigating Indoor Marijuana Grow and Butane Hash Oil Lab Fires at June EBCA

The recent dramatic increase in the number of illegal indoor residential marijuana cultivation and butane hash oil extraction operations are resulting in numerous fires and serious burn injuries across the United States. Con-ditions commonly found at these fire scenes can expose Investigators and First Responders to serious health hazards including risk of vapor ignition/ explosions and electrocution. This course of instruction will introduce the most common ways in which these fires are caused and how to identify signs and evidence of such op-erations. The information presented will aid Investigators in qualifying as Origin and Cause Expert Witnesses related to these types of fires. Most importantly, the course will cover the many hazards that First Responders and Investigators are exposed to by these incidents.

Vic MassenkoffInvestigator, Fire Investigation Unit, Contra Costa County Fire Protection District

Session Highlights:• Description of methods and equipment used in indoor residential marijuana grow operations

• Role of organized crime in these grow operations and methods of distribution & concealment

• Description of methods and equipment used to produce Butane Hash Oil

• How to safely process Grow and Butane Hash Oil operation fire scenes

• Prosecution and Cost Recovery strategies

COMMERICAL & RESIDENTIAL

• Water Mitigation

• Mold Remediation

• Moving & Storage

• HazMat

• Sewage & Sanitizing

• Lead Abatement

24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE1.800.944.0502

Fire & Smoke Damage Restoration


Wilhelmina and baby Zion, born on Christmas Day, at Mountain View Emergency Family Shelter in Martinez.

Shelter, Inc., a chosen charitable beneficiary of the East Bay Claims Association, reports a general funding crisis for their Martinez-based Moun-tain View Emergency Family Shelter. As stated in their Spring 2016 newslet-ter, the shelter is losing some $140,000 - almost 25% of its annual budget - due to shrinking funding sources.

“As the area’s only emergency fam-ily shelter housing men, women and children, Mountain View is a critical resource for homeless families,” states the report.The facility serves a reported 150 men, women and children, helping to transform their lives from living on the streets and bouncing couch-

EBCA Helping Family Shelter Facing Major Funding Shortageto-couch to getting back on their feet and into homes.“By providing one-on-one case man-agement, employment assistance, tutoring and parenting classes, 90% of families are able to move on to stable housing,” the shelter reports.“The shelter already runs on a tight budget, receiving little government

funding, and relying heavily on vol-unteers and donated items.”As an organization and individually as community members, EBCA en-courages members to do what they can to help. “Every dollar raised up to $50,000 makes two dollars thanks to a generous matching grant by the Quest Foundation.

EBCA Designated Charitable Beneficiaries Include:3 Bay Area Crisis Nursery 3 Childrens’ Hospital Oakland

3 Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation3 Food Bank of Contra Costa & Solano Counties 3 American Foundation for Suicide Prevention 3 Shelter, Inc. - Contra Costa


East Bay Claims AssociationNewsNetwork Services DirectoryENGINEERS - STRUCTURALJR STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING, INC. - John Ehlert 3942 Valley Ave., Suite K www.JRStructural.com • (925) 469-8000Pleasanton, CA 94566 [email protected]

FIRE INVESTIGATORS FIRE CAUSE ANALYSIS - Ulises Castellon, CPCUServing Clients (800) 726-5939 • Fax: (510) 649-3099Nationwide! [email protected]

LEAK DETECTION/PLUMBINGAMERICAN LEAK DETECTION - Hillel SalomonP.O. Box 438 (800) 353-LEAK (5325)Berkeley, CA 94701 www.AmericanLeakDetection.comBULL’S EYE LEAK DETECTION - Daniel SpatzP. O. Box 73114 www.BullsEyeLeak.com • (916) 760-8944Davis, CA 95614 [email protected] • Fax (916) 760-8970

OVERSPRAY REMOVALNATIONWIDE OVERSPRAY - Eric Gerencser Benicia, California www.overspray.net • (925) 408-5909Safe Overspray Removal [email protected] • (800) 345-1269

PROPERTY RESTORATION - CLOTHING SPECIALISTSBRIGHT LEAF CLEANERS - Robert StrongGarment Restoration - [email protected] • (925) 455-6000Nobody CARES about you more Fax (925) 445-6002CRDN - Steve Depper/Michelle Windsor2094 Mt. Diablo Blvd. (877) 939-1588 Walnut Creek, CA 94596 www.crdngba.comFRSTeam - Jim and Courtney Nicholas3201A Investment Blvd 510-723-1000Hayward, CA 94545 Natalie Lagorio: [email protected]

PROPERTY RESTORATION/CONTENTSAMERICAN TECHNOLOGIES, INC. - Kyle Pickett30911 Wiegman Road [email protected] • (510) 429-5000Hayward, CA 94544 Fax (510) 429-5010BELFOR USA - Dave Warters/Lisa Schwichtenberg2365 Industrial Pkwy West (888) 543-3473 • Fax (510) 887-9110Hayward, CA 94545 [email protected] VITAL RESTORATION, INC. (a division of Mark Scott Construction, Inc.) 2835 Contra Costa Blvd 1-800-944-0502 Pleasant Hill 94523 [email protected] OF LIVERMORE/HAYWARD - Bassam Kneizeh/Kelly Banducci1001 Shannon Ct. Ste C (925) 960-1377Livermore, CA 94550 Fax (925) 960-1376SERVICEMASTER OF NAPA COUNTY, VALLEJO & BENICIA - Eric Larson/Lynn FullerP. O. Box 6867 [email protected] • (800) 648-1608Napa, CA 94581 Fax (707) 257-1608SERVICEMASTER OF OAKLAND/ALAMEDA - Jean Hughes14498 Wicks Blvd [email protected] • (510) 351-0581San Leandro, CA 94577-6712 Fax (510) 351-4704SERVICEMASTER OF SAN MATEO/SAN FRANCISCO - David Decker439 Eccles Ave. [email protected] • (650) 593-4700S. San Francisco, CA 94080 Fax (650) 873-6334SERVICEMASTER RESTORATION SERVICES - Robert ScottServing Contra Costa [email protected] • (800) 480-TIDY& Marin Counties www.svmcleaning-restoration.com

CONTRACTORS-ASBESTOS/LEAD/MOLD REMEDIATIONALLIANCE ENVIRONMENTAL GROUP - Ed Work4950 Fulton Drive, Suite E www.alliance-enviro.com • (707) 419-7638Fairfield, CA 94534 [email protected] TECHNOLOGIES, INC. - Kyle Pickett30911 Wiegman Road [email protected] • (510) 429-5000Hayward, CA 94544 Fax (510) 429-5010JM ENVIRONMENTAL, INC. - John Moore & the JM TeamPO Box 2189 www.jmenvironmental.net • (916) 726-0304Granite Bay, CA 95746-2189 Fax (916) 726-0340P.W. STEPHENS ENVIRONMENTAL, INC. - Steve MacFarlane/Kim MacFarlane4047 Clipper Court www.pwstephensinc.com • (510) 651-9506Fremont, CA 94538 Fax (510) 651-7702

CONTRACTORS - ELECTRICALTUCKNOTT ELECTRIC CO. - Robert A. Tucknott, CFLCForensic Electrical Expert [email protected] • (925) 931-0800 www.Tucknott.com • Fax (925) 931-0817

CONTRACTORS - GENERAL/RESTORATIONBELFOR USA - Dave Warters/Lisa Schwichtenberg2365 Industrial Pkwy West (888) 543-3473 • Fax (510) 887-9110Hayward, CA 94545 [email protected] SMITH CONSTRUCTION - Chad Smith1820 Galindo St. Suite 230 www.chadsmithconstruction.com • (925) 566-8755Concord, CA 94524 [email protected] • Fax: (925) 566-8757COAST CONSTRUCTION - Steve Mink/Jodi DeVillier718 Kennedy St www.CoastConstruction.net • (510) 533-7168Oakland, CA 94606 24 Hr Em: (510) 773-6379 K2GC GENERAL CONTRACTOR, INC. - Ken TurnageWe treat your home as if it were our own, www.K2GCinc.com • (925)754-5232and value your time as we do our own. K2GC@comcast .netMARK SCOTT CONSTRUCTION, INC. - Troy BrincatResidential & Commercial msconstruction.com • Pl. Hill: (925) 944-050224 Hour Em Service Fairfield: (707) 804-8880 • Stockton: (209) 982-0502SPRINGS CONSTRUCTION - Jim Atkins 881 Hurlingame Ave. [email protected] • (650) 222-2850 Redwood City, CA 94063 www.SpringsConstruction.comWINGARD CONSTRUCTION - Bror Wingard 24 Hr. Em (800) 232-7150One-Call Contractor for all your Corp. office: (925) 689-9322reconstruction needs [email protected] • Lodi: (209) 368-2464 CONTRACTORS - MICROBIAL REMEDIATIONALLIANCE ENVIRONMENTAL GROUP - Ed Work4950 Fulton Drive, Suite E www.alliance-enviro.com • (707) 419-7638Fairfield, CA 94534 [email protected] TECHNOLOGIES, INC. - Kyle Pickett30911 Wiegman Road [email protected] • (510) 429-5000Hayward, CA 94544 Fax (510) 429-5010BELFOR USA - Dave Warters/Lisa Schwichtenberg2365 Industrial Pkwy West (888) 543-3473 • Fax (510) 887-9110Hayward, CA 94545 [email protected]. STEPHENS ENVIRONMENTAL, INC. - Steve MacFarlane/Kim MacFarlane4047 Clipper Court www.pwstephensinc.com • (510) 651-9506Fremont, CA 94538 Fax (510) 651-7702

ELECTRONICS RESTORATIONERS - ELECTRONICS RESTORATION SERVICE - Andrew Titley 8698 Thornton Ave. www.ers-us.com • (510) 775-1959Newark, CA 94560 [email protected]

ENGINEERS - FORENSICI-ENG-A® OF CENTRAL CALIFORNIA A Division of Pauli Engineering, Inc www.pauliengineering.com • (559) 237-4408Cause & Origin Investigations, Plans for building reconstruction.

Paid Sponsorship listings directory - for info on being included, call 925-785-7021, or email: [email protected]

Deadline for all Submissions for the next issue is June 17, 2016

[email protected] • 925-785-7021


The East Bay Claims Association News Network© is a production of Association News Network, Inc. Published monthly as a free service to the EBCA with a com-mitment and dedication to the promotion and betterment of this professional organization. The views and comments expressed within the articles herein do not necessarily reflect the views of A.N.N., Inc. or EBCA. Both the publisher and the association assume no responsibility for any opinions and/or statements offered by contributing authors to the publication. Acceptance of advertising material does not constitute endorsement of the products or services offered. A.N.N., Inc. reserves the right to reject any advertising copy or placement. We encourage industry support of this professional organization - its monthly newsletter publication and web site.

Go to: www.EastBayAdjusters.org

© 1993-2016, all rights reserved • Association News Network, Inc. • www.AssociationNewsNetwork.com2455 Naglee Rd. #263 . Tracy, CA 95304 • 209.229.8240

Bryan Harrison, Publisher [email protected] • 925.708.5569

Lynna Harrison, Customer Services [email protected] • 925.785.7021

Submit Your Job Connection ad to:Choose from Four (5) Monthly Editions - Four Print + Online Edition:

Up to 50 words just $45 (just 50¢/word thereafter)

Run Your Ad Network-Wide for a net rate of just $180/mo.Next Deadline for submissions is June 17, 2016

call 209-229-8240 or [email protected]

POSITIONS AVAILABLEPROJECT MANAGER(S)ATI - American Technologies Inc’s Sacramento Office is looking for professional Project Manager(s) skilled in estimating and managing property repair losses. Also looking for a PM that can estimate and manage contents losses. Must be proficient in Xactimate. IICRC train-ing and certifications a plus. Check us out on-line at: www.ATIresto-ration.com. Contact: Office Manager Raquel Romine: 916-388-2440, C: 916-214-7654, [email protected].

CLAIMS INDUSTRY PLACEMENTSGary E. Mingus, GEM Search Group provides both Temporary, Temp to Hire and Direct Hire placements in the Insurance Industry also, placing Vendors related to the Insurance Industry. Call Gary Mingus 866-935-4426 or email to [email protected]. Serving the Insurance Industry since 1995.

San Francisco/San Mateo/Mtn View800/439-8833

Novato415/493-2211

Napa County/Vallejo/Benicia 800/648-1608

Concord800/480-TIDY

Oakland/Alameda510/351-0581

Livermore/Hayward925/960-1377

Fire • Water • Smoke • Odor • Mold • Trauma • Vandalism Residential • Commercial

www.servicemasterclean.com


More Than Two Dozen Charged in Staged Collision Auto Insurance Fraud SchemeElaborate organized ring, one of the largest in Fresno historyFRESNO, Calif. - In one of the largest arrest operations in Fresno history, detectives from the Cali-fornia Department of Insurance, fanned out across the valley and southland areas to arrest more than two dozen people on mul-tiple felony counts of insurance fraud for allegedly staging auto collisions to scam more than four insurance companies out of tens of thousands of dollars. The suspects allegedly submitted 26 fraudulent insurance claims to-taling more than $140,000. Once the insurers paid the claim, the

suspects pocketed the proceeds and did not repair damaged ve-hicles. Department of Insurance detectives, along with Fresno County District Attorney investi-gators, launched an investigation after receiving suspected fraud referrals from the insurance company. The California State Automobile Association Insur-ance Group was instrumental in assisting detectives with uncov-ering the fraud. “California is ground zero for auto insurance fraud,” said Insur-ance Commissioner Dave Jones.

“Insurance fraud costs insurers billions every year and those costs are all passed along to consumers through higher insurance premi-ums. Bottom line-everyone pays for insurance fraud.” Evidence revealed the suspects orchestrated an elaborate scheme to defraud insurers with paper collisions that never occurred or by intentionally damaging vehi-cles to submit fraudulent claims. The organized ring recruited some co-conspirators with promises of cash or fixing their previously damaged vehicles. Another ele-

ment of scheme included stealing people’s identities to submit fraud-ulent claims.Suspects were booked into the Fresno County Jail. The Fresno County District Attorney is pros-ecuting this case.As of 5/10/16, 15 suspects are in custody with more arrests to come.Arrest photos can be viewed on CDI’s Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/ca_dept_insurance/albums/72157667803920982

Ventura Man Convicted A Second Time for Investment Scam Targeting SeniorsAuthorities concerned there are more victims VENTURA, Calif. - Rod Scott Hormell, 59, of Ventura, pleaded guilty on May 23, to two felony counts, including fraudu-lent sale of securities and theft from an elder with a special enhancement for theft over $100,000. Hormell was sentenced to five years in state prison and ordered to pay $100,000 restitution to his victim.Acting as a financial planner, Hormell convinced a woman in 2003 to invest $100,000 in RRV Group, which he represented as a senior board and care housing development, which turned out to be a scam. Hormell kept the rouse going by sending the victim spreadsheets that reflected a profit for her investment.After the victim passed away, her daugh-ter and only beneficiary, attempted to

contact Hormell, but was unable to locate him. An Internet search led her to find Hormell was convicted for financial crimes against seniors in 2013.The victim's daughter contacted the Ventura County Sheriff's office, which led to an investigation by the Sheriff's Major Crimes Division. After a search warrant uncovered insurance documents, the Sheriff called on the Department of Insurance Investigation Division for their insurance crime expertise. Evidence revealed there was no senior board and care housing development and the security was a fraud. Hormell was convicted of a similar financial elder abuse crime in 2013 where he acted as an elderly woman's financial planner and

scammed her out of $65,000. Following Hormell's first conviction in 2013, the Department of Insurance permanently revoked his agent's license-a revocation he defied when he continued targeting seniors with his investment and financial plan scams."Hormell is every consumer's worst nightmare," said Insurance Commission-er Dave Jones. "After being convicted once and having his agent license perma-nently revoked, he continued to defy the revocation and heartlessly scam seniors." Hormell was arrested May 11, 2015 on the new charges and remained incarcerat-ed until his conviction this week.Authorities are concerned Hormell may have more victims that are unaware they

are holding bogus investment securities. Anyone who used Hormell as a financial planner should contact the Department of Insurance toll-free hotline at 800-927-4357.The Department of Insurance has issued an Insurance Wide Industry Ban and Cease and Desist Order to Hormell, which bars him from transacting in-surance business. Formal sentencing is scheduled for June 21 in Ventura County Superior Court.This case was prosecuted by the Ventura County District Attorney's office.

TO:Association News Network, Inc.2455 Naglee Rd #263Tracy, CA 95304

Return Service Requested www.EastBayAdjusters.org

First Class Postage

Attend The Next EBCA Luncheon Meeting

Wednesday, June 8, 2016Vic Massenkoff Investigator Fire Investigation Unit“Investigating Indoor Marijuana Grow & Butane Hash Oil Lab Fires”— see page 7

Then July 22nd for the 15th Annual EBCA Golf Tournament

Eagle Vines Golf Course, NapaThanks to Grand Sponsor CRDN — see page 4

Sept 14-16, 2016 Hyatt Regency Downtown Sacramento

www.ClaimsConference.org

Register NOW to Attend the 23rd Annual

JM ENVIRONMENTAL, INC.HAZARDOUS MATERIALS ABATEMENT and DEMOLITION

916-726-0304 | www.jmenv.com

ASBESTOS ABATEMENT | LEAD REMOVAL | DEMOLITION MOLD | BIO-HAZARD REMEDIATION | DRUG LAB REMEDIATION

EVERY JOB is a SELF PORTRAIT of the company who performs it.We autograph our work with EXCELLENCE!

http://www.EastBayAdjusters.org

east bay claims association news network - june 2016

Documents