Suspects Arrested For Scheming To Defraud Military Veteran
By Space Coast Daily // November 14, 2013
Philip Cassamassima, Dora Richards arrested
ABOVE VIDEO: Fraud suspects Philip C. Cassamassima and Dora Richards were taken into custody at 888 Summerset Drive in Rockledge.
BREVARD COUNTY • ROCKLEDGE, FLORIDA – Philip C. Cassamassima and Dora Richards were arrested yesterday by the Rockledge Police Department for scheming to defraud a military veteran by pretending to be an attorney and registered nurse in the business of assisting veterans with receiving disability benefits from the military.
According to the Rockledge police, the suspects were taken into custody at 888 Summerset Drive in Rockledge.
Cassamassima, 57, portrayed himself as a “specialized VA lawyer” for Quest Litigations, a business that was determined to not exist. Richards, 44, portrayed herself as a registered nurse that would perform medical examinations on veterans prior to them receiving benefits. Cassamassima charged the victim a $1,000 fee, but insisted that “gift” be written on the check.
COLLECTED PERSONAL INFORMATION
Cassamassima collected the victim’s personal information, including his date of birth, social security number, military records, marriage certificate and son’s birth certificate. He then attempted to charge the victim another $1,500, but did him a “favor” by lowering it to $300.
Cassamassima collected the victim’s personal information, including his date of birth, social security number, military records, marriage certificate and son’s birth certificate. He then attempted to charge the victim another $1,500, but did him a “favor” by lowering it to $300.
The victim would be expected to pay this later and was informed that the defendant wins 90 percent of his cases, and he should expect to receive between $10,000 and $250,000 in benefits in return for the defendant’s legal services.
The victim then underwent a medical examination by defendant Dora Richards, who falsely portrayed herself as a registered nurse and “Intake Coordinator” for the company. The victim’s wife became suspicious of the exam due to her occupation as a registered nurse.
The victim was given a business card for Quest Litigations, which listed Cassamassima with a false name and the title of Pro Se Litigator. A third meeting was set up between the parties for the victim to pay the defendant the remaining $300 fee.
The victim’s wife was suspicious of Cassamassima’s claims and proceeded to investigate via the internet. She determined that he had a lengthy criminal history, including multiple thefts and schemes to defraud. At that time, law enforcement was contacted and an investigation ensued.
The meeting was confirmed to take place at 7 p.m. on last night at the victim’s residence. Due to the investigation that had taken place by law enforcement, the victim had several questions that he was told to ask Cassamassima regarding his status as an attorney.
SUSPECTS BECOME SUSPICIOUS, DEFENSIVE
From these questions, Cassmassima became suspicious that he was being set up and became defensive. The $300 fee was handed over to the defendant, and after further conversation, a take-down by law enforcement was ordered, and both defendants were detained.
Cassamassima was in possession of paperwork with other names and appointment times, which indicates additional victims of this scheme, according to the Rockledge Police.
Cassamassima was in possession of paperwork with other names and appointment times, which indicates additional victims of this scheme, according to the Rockledge Police.
The co-defendant, Dora Richards, stated that she started working for Cassamassima a month ago and was told to claim she was a nurse in return for $50 per visit. Richards stated that Cassamassima’s residence had additional personal information for at least nine other individuals, along with additional information on a computer.
If you or someone you know may have been a victim of this scheme, contact the Rockledge Police Department at 321-690-3988.
