The Virginia State Police Insurance Fraud Program distributed 10 Fraud Fighters Awards to individuals who’ve made exemplary contributions to help stamp out fraud in the Commonwealth.
Fraud Fighters Awards are presented annually during Insurance Fraud Awareness Week.
First Sgt. Steve Hall, IFP coordinator, introduced this year’s Fraud Fighters Awards at a luncheon at the Virginia Chapter of the International Association of Special Investigation Units annual conference at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Midlothian.
“Insurance fraud costs Virginians millions each year, and losses across the United States are in the billions,” Hall said. “So it’s important to highlight some of the good work that’s being done to combat insurance fraud.”
In 1999, the Virginia General Assembly established the IFP (House Bill 52-37) to initiate independent inquiries and investigations regarding suspected insurance fraud. The IFP established its Fraud Fighters Awards program in 2003.
Fraud Fighters Awards nominees are judged on a variety of efforts taken to reduce fraud in Virginia, including: actions taken to proactively prevent insurance fraud; involvement and contributions in insurance fraud investigations; financial impact, in terms of recoveries and restitution, of their investigative efforts; proven commitment to assisting the insurance community in fighting fraud.
2016 Fraud Fighters Awards
— Deputy Commonwealth’s Attorney John Alexander, Botetourt County
— Deputy Commonwealth’s Attorney Michael Hardiman, Stafford County
— Lt. Steve St. Clair, Culpeper County Sheriff’s Office
— Senior Investigator Jay Boothe, Virginia State Corporation Commission Bureau of Insurance
— Senior Special Agent Durwin Powell, Virginia State Police
— Senior Special Agent Gary Straub, Virginia State Police
— Senior Special Agent Harvey Spahr, Virginia State Police
— Special Agent Brandon Blakey, Virginia State Police
— Special Agent Christopher Brennan, Virginia State Police
— Special Agent Scott Mitchell, Virginia State Police
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Chris Graham
