Former California Highway Patrol officer Jordan Roy Lester has been sentenced to 270 days in county jail and two years of formal probation after pleading guilty to felony insurance fraud. In addition to his sentence, Lester is required to pay $232,829 in restitution to the CHP and $127,791 to the State Compensation Insurance Fund, according to the Sacramento District Attorney's Office.
Lester’s alleged misconduct began following an on-the-job injury on July 11, 2021, which his superiors deemed minor. Despite this, he applied for medical retirement after purchasing property in Quincy and during discussions for a job transfer to the area. While on medical leave, Lester reportedly engaged in physically demanding activities on his property, contradicting the severe pain he had reported to medical professionals, which was said to restrict even basic daily tasks.
An investigation by the CHP’s Internal Affairs found that Lester exaggerated his physical limitations, as per the Sacramento District Attorney’s Office. His reported activities, including cutting trees, stacking firewood, and performing other strenuous labor, contradicted claims of debilitating pain and physical restrictions.
Insurance fraud, such as Lester’s case, can increase premiums and costs for employers. Fraudulent claims can delay medical care and financial assistance for legitimately injured workers, impacting the overall workers’ compensation system.
Lester’s guilty plea and sentencing conclude the case handled by Deputy District Attorney John MacKenzie of the Insurance Fraud Unit. In addition to jail time, probation, and restitution, Lester will forfeit service and pension credits earned during the period of the fraud.
