Special
Prosecutions includes the following: the Major Fraud
Unit, Computer Crimes Section, Workers' Compensation Fraud
Section, Auto Insurance Fraud Section, Consumer Fraud and
Environmental Protection Unit, Special Investigations, Asset
Forfeiture Unit, Fish and Game Unit, Code Enforcement, and
the Non-Sufficient Funds (NSF) Check Restitution Program.
The division also encompasses Legal Support Services, Fiscal
and Administrative Services, and the Office Systems Unit.
Cases
prosecuted by the Major Fraud Unit are characterized by lengthy
pre-complaint investigations, complex schemes, significant
dollar loss, and aggravated felony conduct. Whenever
possible, local police agencies are encouraged to participate
in these investigations.
Due to extensive attorney involvement at the investigative
stage, major fraud cases are either prepared for the grand
jury or for preliminary hearing before a felony complaint
is filed. The key evidence in these cases is usually in the
form of physical evidence, such as documents and records.
Members
of the local bar and public are encouraged to refer cases
of suspected fraud to the unit for screening. Physical evidence
collected during the criminal investigation will be made available
to the victim if he/she files a civil action.
The
Computer Crimes Section prosecutes cases in which a computer
is a significant instrumentality of the crime. Examples of
crimes prosecuted in this section are Internet crimes against
children, pornography utilizing the Internet, cyber stalking,
hacking cases, Internet fraud, white collar and high technology
task force statute cases.
Workers'
Compensation Fraud cases are usually referred to the District
Attorney's Office by employers who suspect fraudulent claims
by their employees, and from insurance companies who suspect
fraud and report it to the Department of Insurance for investigation.
Other cases are initiated from undercover investigations into
workers' compensation fraud mills involving attorneys and
doctors, and fraudulent auto accident claims filed with insurance
companies.
Auto
Insurance Fraud Section - These cases may involve the investigation
of faked auto accidents and illegal kickback schemes between
attorneys and doctors.
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