Bakersfield clinic operator charged with insurance fraud

Published: 2007-12-03 12:06:31
Author: Brynn Galindo - February 8, 2007 - KGET.com

BAKERSFIELD - Three members of a Bakersfield family have been charged with insurance fraud, according to the state insurance commissioner's office.

Several insurance companies reported suspicions about the billing practices of (Mrs.) Shawn Dodd, and the chiropractic and medical clinics she operates in Bakersfield, the commissioner's office said.

That led to the investigation that led to criminal charges.

Arrested:

--- Shawn Dodd, 40, on charges of insurance fraud, workers' comp fraud, money laundering, employer tax evasion, and conspiracy.

--- Her husband, James "Sonny" Dodd, 48, was charged with conspiring with Mrs. Dodd to obtain insurance payments under false pretenses.

--- Mrs. Dodd's mother, Barbara Bayird, 65, also was charged with conspiracy.

Mrs. Dodd operated Provident Medical Management, Executive Medical Management, National Chiropractic, Neurosport Chiropractic, Pacific United Medical Group, Old River Medical Center Inc., and Cal-Sport Physical Therapy.

If convicted, Shawn Dodd faces 11 years in prison. James Dodd and Barbara Bayird could face three years.

According to the California Department of Insurance, state investigators received "numerous" reports of suspected fraud from insurance carriers regarding the billing practices of Shawn Dodd's businesses.

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