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:
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Currently the Director of Law Enforcement and Policy for Auto Data Direct;
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3 years in the U.S. Army Military Police;
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30 years with the Miami-Dade Police Department specializing in auto theft investigations and developed instructional programs for law enforcement and industry members;
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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;
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member of the Board of Directors of the Florida Auto Theft Intelligence Unit consultant for the Auto Theft Task Force, Inc.;
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member, committee participant and instructor for the International Association of Auto Theft Investigators and several IAATI Chapters.