Couple Indicted on Fraud Charges

In its first criminal case, the new Ventura County Grand Jury indicted a husband and wife on charges of workers’ compensation fraud involving an alleged accident in Simi Valley, authorities said.

The 18-member jury, which began its term July 1, took less than 45 minutes Thursday to conclude that the district attorney has sufficient evidence to prosecute Phillip Jay Gordon, 40, and his wife, Jennifer Gordon, 36, both of Van Nuys, for allegedly attempting to defraud Agoura-based Electric Express of more than $16,000 in injury pay.

The Ventura County district attorney’s office presented the jury with evidence that, if proved, would show that in November, Phillip Gordon lied about an on-the-job injury and conspired with his wife to bilk Farmer’s Insurance--Electric Express’ insurance company--for living expenses and hospital bills, authorities said.

“The conspiracy to commit the fraud is a crime itself--above and beyond the fraud,” said Terence Kilbride, a Ventura County senior deputy district attorney.

The Gordons will face four charges of fraud for allegedly concocting a story in which Phillip Gordon, on an electrical repair call in Simi Valley, injured his knee and shoulder while crashing through a fence to avoid a loose dog, said Kilbride.

The indictment alleges that Jennifer Gordon became involved in the scam by corroborating her husband’s story and posing as the homeowner whose fence he crashed through.

Court records show that Phillip Gordon has a long criminal history, including convictions for grand theft auto and forging a prescription for narcotics and arson. If convicted, he will face up to 20 years. With no previous record, Jennifer Gordon would receive no more than seven years.

The two defendants will be arraigned Friday.

The grand jury is chosen annually from a group of volunteers and serves from July 1 until June 30 of the following year. In addition to reviewing the evidence of about 12 criminal cases a year, the jury investigates the efficacy of public institutions, such as city and county government and libraries, Kilbride said.