The State Worker: Former California DMV worker convicted of disability claim fraud

The State Worker

Chronicling civil-service life for California state workers

November 2, 2012

Former California DMV worker convicted of disability claim fraud

A former state employee faces up to two years in prison after a Sacramento jury convicted her of fraud and lying to investigators to obtain a state disability pension.

Lisa Trevino-Angelo, now 41, was a personnel specialist working part time for the Department of Motor Vehicles in 2008 when she applied for the tax-free benefit. She claimed that chronic pain, anxiety and fatigue left her virtually homebound and unable to raise a coffee cup to her lips.

Officials arrested her on suspicion of fraud in 2009 after CalPERS investigators collected four hours of videotape that showed Trevino-Angelo bowling in Elk Grove, lifting a toddler, jumping at a soccer game and shopping at several stores with bags in tow.

On Wednesday a jury concluded that she had filed a false benefit claim to CalPERS and made false statements to support it. Each misdemeanor conviction carries a maximum of one year in jail. Sentencing is scheduled for Nov. 28.

"CalPERS is pleased by the verdict," said CalPERS spokeswoman Amy Norris. "We don't tolerate fraud and abuse of the system."

Trevino-Angelo's attorney, Michael Wise, could not be reached for comment.

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