Arrests of Family Business Owners For Grand Theft, Workers' Compensation Fraud And Payroll Tax Evasion

SACRAMENTO – Insurance Commissioner John Garamendi today announced the arrests of Clyde and Jackie Sewell, both 52, owners of North Pointe Enterprises, Inc. (North Pointe), and their daughter, Toni Studer, 30, at their place of business.

The Sewells, who are residents of Elverta, were arrested June 1 and each charged with one felony count of making a false or fraudulent statement for the purpose of reducing premium, rate, or cost of workers’ compensation insurance; one felony count of grand theft; one felony count of willful failure to supply true information with the intent to evade payroll tax; and one felony count of willful failure to collect, truthfully account for and pay payroll tax. Studer, a resident of Antelope, was arrested on one felony count of making a false or fraudulent statement for the purpose of reducing premium, rate or cost of workers’ compensation insurance; one felony count of grand theft; and one felony count of assisting in supplying a false or fraudulent report to the Employment Development Department (EDD).

“The kind of fraud these suspects are suspected of is, ultimately, no different than stealing money from California consumers’ wallets,” said Commissioner Garamendi. “These arrests will send a message that insurance fraud in any form will not be tolerated by this Department.” Read more atinsurance.ca.gov