Investigations Bureau

This division is made of 3 main units focused on civil and criminal issues relating to children.

Child Abduction Unit

This unit is legislatively-mandated unit, which assists family members going through family law disputes assistance in getting their case into the family law court. Withholding waivers are issued by this unit, which provides those with custodial rights time to bring their issues into the family law court without the fear of violating a court order.

Child Abuse Unit

This unit investigates allegations of abuse to minors by family members. Specially trained investigators work with forensically trained interviewers from Children's Services to identify and prevent further injury to the children and to further investigate the alleged crime. Upon finding evidence of a crime, Investigators work alongside a Deputy District Attorney to prepare those cases for trial. Drug Endangered Children (DEC) investigator(s) are assigned to this unit.

Domestic Violence Unit

This unit works directly with Deputy District Attorneys to ensure a domestic violence case that has been referred from an allied agency is properly prepared for trial. Specially trained investigators work with Victim Advocates to seek justice in these troubling cases that often involve children as collateral victims.

The Fraud Prevention Division investigates cases of embezzlement, theft and fraud schemes that create a significant impact to the community. Consumer fraud is preventable and being informed is key to understanding the many fraudulent crimes targeting our community. There are 2 units that comprise the FPD:

Major Fraud Unit

In addition to major fraud, the Butte County District Attorney also investigates areas of specialized fraud.

Workers' Compensation Fraud

The Workers' Compensation Insurance Fraud unit works closely with investigators from the California Department of Insurance (CDI), as well as other outside agencies such as the Contractor State Licensing Board (CSLB), California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR), State of California Employment Development Department (EDD), other District Attorney's Offices and local law enforcement agencies.

There are many types of fraud within the workers' compensation system. Some of the most common forms of workers' compensation fraud include:

• Falsely filing an injury claim for a non-existent injury or injury sustained outside the work place
• Failing to provide workers' compensation insurance for employees
• Employer dissuading employees from making injury claims
• Under-reporting the number of employees, or misrepresenting the type of work the employees conduct in order to reduce insurance premiums

Real Estate Fraud

The types of cases considered for investigation result from various fraudulent transactions and/or schemes including:

• Submission of forged loan applications
• Fraudulent transfers of title of real property
• Recorded fraudulent real estate documents
• Home equity sale contract fraud
• Mortgage fraud, as well as several other real estate matters

Auto Fraud

Insurance fraud is a billion dollar a year problem for California residents. Cases involving fraudulent insurance claims, staged accidents, unnecessary medical or repair claims, and vehicle thefts are reviewed and investigated within this unit. Investigators work alongside the Department of Insurance, National insurance Crime Bureau and other State and insurance agencies to enhance these investigations.

Public Assistance Fraud Unit

Working with the Butte County Employment and Social Services, investigators and Investigative assistants assigned to this unit respond to concerns of welfare fraud at the application stage. Investigators interview clients, neighbors, and family members to verify information submitted on applications for welfare assistance.