SCIF Auditor and Accomplice Arrested

An investigation by CDI’s Criminal Investigation Branch’s Fraud Division led to the arrests of Courtney Aplas, 31, and Rodolfo Gaona, 49, for allegedly embezzling $619,650 from SCIF between Nov. 1, 1993 and March 10, 1995. The Los Angeles District’s Attorney’s Office filed a complaint with the Los Angeles County Superior Court charging both suspects with Grand Theft, Conspiracy, Theft by Computer and Theft by a Public Official. The alleged theft surfaced during a routine audit by SCIF in 1999.

Investigators discovered Gaona was hired by SCIF on April 21, 1986 using the name of Norberto S. Munoz. Munoz was a supervisor in the Key Data Operator’s Office, which is responsible for issuing checks to vendors and claimants and updating information into the computer system for the insurance company. In 1990, investigators say Gaona started an interpretation business named Americas Interpreting Services.

Between Nov. 1, 1993 and continuing through March 10, 1995, Gaona allegedly issued checks to his interpretation business for services that were not performed in an amount totaling $476,010 by using his position in the Key Data Operator’s Office. In addition, between Jan. 19, 1994 and May 5, 1994, Gaona with the help of Aplas purportedly defrauded SCIF of $93,780. Aplas allegedly filed a Fictitious Business Name Statement with the County of Los Angeles for a non-existent interpretation company named Medical Consultant Interpreters. The next day after Aplas filed the statement, Gaona started issuing and sending checks to Aplas’ non-existent interpretation company for interpretation services that were never performed.

If convicted, both suspects could be sentenced to prison for up to three years, community service and restitution.