Release Date: February 11, 2008

Contact: Kevin Drescher, Senior Deputy District Attorney

(805) 662-1726

District Attorney Gregory Totten announced today that Ronald Berlinsky (DOB 12/25/49) of Westlake, California, pled guilty to one count of felony auto insurance fraud.

On May 23, 2003, Berlinsky reported to the Ventura County Sheriff's Department that his 2000 Ford Expedition was stolen. He claimed he parked his car out in front of his house the night before and when he woke up the next morning it was gone. Later that day, he made a claim to his insurance company, Liberty Mutual, for his "stolen" vehicle.

On May 27, 2003, the Ventura County Sheriff's Department learned from the United States Border Patrol that Berlinsky's car crossed into Mexico the night of May 20, 2003, two days before Berlinsky said he last saw his vehicle parked in front of his residence. Ventura County sheriff's detectives, and investigators from Liberty Mutual and the National Insurance Crime Bureau, subsequently uncovered additional evidence that Berlinsky intentionally caused his vehicle to disappear. Part of this evidence included locating Berlinsky's vehicle in Ensenada, Mexico, and transporting it back to the United States for a forensic examination.

Berlinsky's sentencing is scheduled for April 10, 2008, at 9:00 a.m. in courtroom 48 of the Ventura County Superior Court. He is facing a maximum penalty of five years in state prison and up to $50,000 in fines.

Auto insurance fraud is not a victimless crime. It affects every law abiding insured driver in California . Automobile insurance fraud costs the United States insurance industry $2 billion annually and each consumer about $200 to $300 annually for each vehicle insured in California . The District Attorney's Office is committed to vigorous prosecution of all those who choose to victimize the public in this manner.