Doctor in Fraud Case Turns Self In
A Palmdale cardiologist wanted for allegedly filing false insurance claims turned himself in to authorities Friday and pleaded not guilty to four counts of insurance fraud, grand theft, conspiracy and perjury, authorities said.
Dr. Enobong Ekong, 58, surrendered in Los Angeles County Superior Court, said Sandi Gibbons, a spokeswoman for the district attorney’s office. Judge Henry Barela set bail at $30,000.
Ekong is due back in court for a preliminary hearing Sept. 17. If convicted, he could face up to five years in prison and fines of up to $50,000.
Prosecutors allege that Ekong’s wife, Ruth Joan Ekong, discovered in June 2000 that her husband had had an extramarital affair.
An angry Ruth Ekong allegedly damaged the house and destroyed personal property and later called the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, blaming the damage on vandals, prosecutors said.
Prosecutors allege that both Ekongs knowingly filed a false claim for $570,000 with Safeco Insurance Co. of America. Ruth Ekong has been charged with nine counts in the case.
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