May 13, 2025 | JacobiJournal.com – San Bernardino, CA — Attorney Liens Scrutinized: The California Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) has taken swift action to suspend attorney Antony Gluck’s liens following his indictment in a sweeping workers’ compensation fraud scheme. While some praise the move as bold and protective, others argue it may sidestep due process.
Gluck Faces Major Charges in Alleged Fraud Operation
Antony Gluck, 55, now faces felony charges for conspiracy and illegal client referrals. Investigators say that from September 2021 to October 2024, he paid $388,500 to acquire 798 clients—many of whom were Spanish-speaking workers misled by a Mexico-based call center. These individuals were promised financial benefits through workers’ compensation claims. However, their information was secretly sold to attorneys like Gluck.
The California Department of Insurance began investigating the scheme in 2022. Ultimately, the probe uncovered the illegal sale of over 1,100 clients for more than $550,000, implicating several individuals in a widespread operation.
DWC Moves Quickly to Suspend Gluck’s Liens
On April 25, 2025, the DWC publicly listed Gluck under the category of “Criminally Charged Providers Whose Liens are Stayed” pursuant to Labor Code § 4615. This move halted at least ten liens associated with his law offices across Los Angeles, Woodland Hills, and San Bernardino. These include:
- 3905641 – 2500 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles
- 3905643 – 20750 Ventura Blvd, Woodland Hills
- 3826564 – 2500 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles
- 10225601 – 225 W Hospitality Ln STE 204, San Bernardino
- 10437838 – Same address
- 10221030 – Same address
- 10420720 – Same address
- 10424142 – Same address
- 10791163 – Same address
- 9892616 – Same address
Although Labor Code § 4615 allows DWC to stay liens filed by providers facing criminal charges, the speed of Gluck’s suspension has caught many in the legal community off guard.
Legal Community Questions Timing and Fairness
Attorney Liens Scrutinized: While many support strong measures against fraud, some legal professionals question whether this response came too early. “Due process matters,” one Southern California attorney stated. “This kind of financial penalty—if premature—can devastate a law practice long before guilt is established.”
The issue has reignited debate over how the DWC enforces lien suspensions. Although the law allows action before a conviction, critics argue that such measures must be balanced with the presumption of innocence.
Additional Defendants Linked to the Alleged Scheme
The case, officially titled People v. Antony Eli Gluck, et al. (Case No. FSB25001283), also names three co-defendants:
- Michael De La Garza, 41, an attorney from Fontana
- Arely Franco, 42, from San Diego
- Juan Leal, 57, from Riverside
According to investigators, Franco served as the central broker, selling 320 clients to De La Garza and Leal for $168,750, and the remaining 798 to Gluck. These individuals reportedly used false promises and deceptive tactics to exploit vulnerable workers—many unaware their personal information had been sold.
What’s at Stake for the Workers’ Comp System
This high-profile case underscores the fragility of trust in California’s workers’ compensation system. It also exposes how fraud schemes can exploit already marginalized groups. The DWC’s quick lien suspension has raised tough questions: Should regulatory bodies act immediately in the interest of public trust, or wait for formal convictions to uphold due process?
As the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office continues its prosecution, the legal community will closely watch how courts balance the fight against fraud with the rights of the accused.
📌 Bottom Line:
The DWC’s rapid lien suspension of Gluck sets a bold tone for fraud prevention. However, it also risks undermining legal fairness if not carefully justified.
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