Florida Insurance Fraud Education Committee
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FIFEC CONGRATULATES THE 2021 AWARD RECIPIENTS AND THOSE WHO PARTICIPATED IN THEIR NOMINATION.
STAY TUNED FOR THE OPENING OF AWARD NOMINATIONS IN 2022.
​Due to the COVID-19 restrictions, the 2020 FIFEC Awards Recipients were honored virtually. This section recognizes the accomplishments of the 2020 honorees. Please take a moment to click on the above title “The 2020 FIFEC Award Recipients” button to view the recipients and the details of their exceptional services. The 2020 FIFEC Awards Recipients will also be honored during the Opening Ceremony of the 2021 FIFEC Conference.
Congratulations 2021 FIFEC Awards Recipients
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During these unprecedented times, flexibility and thinking outside the box are essential to achieve exceptional results irrespective of the challenges. The 2021 FIFEC Award Recipients have illustrated how their innovative skills have resulted in successful outcomes in their fight against insurance fraud.
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The jerry zappolo distinguished service award
ERNIE KING, CIFI, FCLS, (RETIRED)
Multiple industry SIU roles, exceptional contributor to IASIU, FACAP, FIFEC, IAAI and the Florida Property and Casualty Fraud Task Force.
This award honors his immeasurable contributions, commitment to educational excellence, and dedicated service in fighting insurance fraud, while fostering the crucial relationships between the insurance industry, law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve to identify and combat insurance fraud.
Law enforcement insurance fraud fighter of the year
ROBERT MAZZEI
Detective, Division of Investigative and Forensic Services, Office of Fiscal Integrity
Prescription Insurance Fraud - Kickbacks on prescription sales
insurance industry fraud fighter of the year
RICK SMITH
SIU Investigator, Allstate Insurance Company
Automobile Insurance Fraud - ID theft and staged accidents
The Guy E. “Sandy” Burnette Insurance Fraud Fighter Team Award
LIFE INSURANCE FRAUD CASE - ID THEFT TO OBTAIN LIFE INSURANCE BENEFITS
These individuals cooperated across agencies to investigate this case involving life insurance fraud.
CHELSEA ROYS
Detective
Division of Investigative & Forensic Services
R. SCOTT UTECHT
Detective
Division of Investigative & Forensic Services
KEVIN LASHELLS
Lieutenant
Division of Investigative & Forensic Services
BETH BLECHMAN
Legal Advisor, Department of Financial Services, Office of General Counsel
GLENN HUGHES
Special Agent, National Insurance Crime Bureau
CYNTHIA IRVIN
Assistant Statewide Prosecutor, Florida Office of the Attorney General