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award recipients - 2020

This year FIFEC is pleased to present the 2020 Award recipients. Given the catastrophic events during 2020 and 2021, your participation in the FIFEC Awards Program is commendable. Your efforts in nominating individuals who have performed their duties diligently and with the necessary innovative techniques to continue their fight against insurance fraud during these extraordinary times is greatly appreciated.

Due to the COVID-19 restrictions, the 2020 FIFEC Awards Recipients were honored virtually. This section recognizes the accomplishments of the 2020 honorees. The 2020 FIFEC Awards Recipients will also be honored during the Opening Ceremony of the 2021 FIFEC Conference.

law enforcement insurance fraud fighter of the year

James Gardner

Detective, Division of Investigative and Forensic Services Bureau of Insurance Fraud

Prestwood Funeral Home Investigation

insurance industry fraud fighter of the year

Mario Figueredo

SIU Investigator, Kemper Insurance

LFYT Ring Investigation

The Guy E. “Sandy” Burnette Insurance Fraud Fighter Team Award

INVESTIGATION:
Operation Crossing the Rubicon

Alfonso Najera, Arson Detective, Miami-Dade Police Department Economic Crimes Bureau

Audrey Burns, SIU Principal, Citizens Property Insurance Corporation

Ayme Sacramento, Arson Detective, Miami-Dade Police Department Economic Crimes Bureau

Charles “Charlie” Toledo, Detective, Division of Investigative and Forensic Services, Bureau of Fire, Arson, and Explosives Investigations

Gladys MaClao, Secretary, Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office

Gonzalo Garcia, Sergeant, Miami-Dade Police Department Economic Crimes Bureau

Howard Bennett, Detective, Division of Investigative and Forensic Services, Bureau of Fire, Arson, and Explosives Investigation

Jeanne Parker, Crime Intelligence Analyst, Division of Investigative and Forensic Services, Bureau of Fire, Arson, and Explosives Investigation

Jennifer Vera, Insurance Fraud Paralegal, Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office

Kyle Abernathy, SIU Investigator, Tower Hill Insurance Group

Laura Uriarte, Chief Insurance Fraud Unit – Assistant State Attorney, Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office

Maria Elena Quintana, SIU Investigator III, Citizens Property Insurance Corporation

Noel Rodriguez, Lieutenant, Miami-Dade Police Department Economic Crimes Bureau

Raymond Taboada, Arson Detective, Miami-Dade Police Department Economic Crimes Bureau

Rebeca Perez, Lead Detective, Miami-Dade Police Department Economic Crimes Bureau

Robert Fortich, Sergeant (Retired), Miami-Dade Police Department Economic Crimes Bureau

Robert Ruiz, Assistant State Attorney, Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office

Summer Jerla, Criminal Analyst, Division of Investigative and Forensic Services, Bureau of Fire, Arson, and Explosives Investigations

Tammy Pitiriciu, Assistant State Attorney, Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office

The jerry zappolo distinguished service award

Les Cravens

Director of Law Enforcement & Policy, Auto Data Direct

Miami-Dade Police Department (Retired)

Careers and Accomplishments:

Currently the Director of Law Enforcement and Policy for Auto Data Direct;
3 years in the U.S. Army Military Police;
30 years with the Miami-Dade Police Department specializing in auto theft investigations and developed instructional programs for law enforcement and industry members;
training fixture at South Florida Motor Vehicle, Watercraft and Cargo Investigator Network, the Regional 7 Task Force, Cargo Theft Task Force, individual insurance companies, and the annual FIFEC Conference;
member of the Board of Directors of the Florida Auto Theft Intelligence Unit consultant for the Auto Theft Task Force, Inc.;
member, committee participant and instructor for the International Association of Auto Theft Investigators and several IAATI Chapters.