LAPD Detective convicted for Workers” Compensation Fraud NR11450fp

Los Angeles:  On September 27, 2011, a veteran Los Angeles detective pled no contest to two counts of misdemeanor workers’ compensation insurance fraud.   Detective II John Vach Jr., who had 15 years of service with the Los Angeles Police Department, was last assigned to Major Crimes Division.

The Workers’ Compensation Fraud Unit (WCFU), Special Operations Division, began investigating Vach in 2008 for worker’s compensation fraud, perjury and attempted grand theft.  Vach operated two private businesses while out on a disability claim for job-related stress.  Vach purportedly also sought a lifetime disability pension.  Subsequently, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Healthcare Fraud Division issued an arrest warrant for Vach on October 5, 2010.     

As part of the criminal conviction for workers’ compensation insurance fraud, the court ordered Vach to pay $105,000 in restitution to the City of Los Angeles for all salary and medical benefits the City paid as part of his fraudulent claim.  In addition, Vach was given three years summary probation.  Also as part of the plea agreement, Vach agreed to resign from the police department.  Vach is due back for sentencing on November 7, 2011.  

The goal of the Department has been to aggressively investigate fraud and abuse of benefits within the workers’ compensation system.  The Department has and will continue to successfully investigate and prosecute employees who compromise the safety of the public by committing fraud and or magnifying their symptoms to continue to stay off work.

The investigation was conducted in partnerships with the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Healthcare Fraud Division, Tristar Risk Management and Los Angeles Fire and Police Pensions Department.

Anyone with information related to other cases of workers compensation fraud, is encouraged to call the LAPD Special Operations Division, at 213-473-5672.  After-hours and on weekends, calls may be directed to a 24-hour toll-free number at 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (527-3247).  Callers may also text “CRIMES” with a cell phone or log on to www.lapdonline.org and click on Web tips.  When using a cell phone, all messages should begin with “LAPD.”  Tipsters may remain anonymous.