TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis’ office charged Denise Williams with three counts of insurance fraud greater than $100,000, all first-degree felonies. In May, CFO Patronis directed his Division of Investigative and Forensic Services to investigate life insurance fraud relating to Mike Williams’ disappearance nearly two decades ago.
 
CFO Jimmy Patronis said, “The Williams case is a tragedy that has shocked the Tallahassee community and reverberated across the nation. The insurance fraud charges are just one part of this case, and I assure the community we will work diligently toward a successful prosecution. Insurance fraud is a very serious crime, one that impacts every single insurance consumer. It’s especially disturbing when an individual is attempting to profit off someone’s death. I am proud of our dedicated insurance fraud team for their commitment to bringing criminals to justice.”

 

CFO Patronis’ Division of Investigative and Forensic Services conducted a criminal investigation into the facts surrounding the insurance claims which followed Mike Williams’ death. This investigation found that Denise Williams fraudulently listed the cause of death as “accidental drowning” for three insurance policies.  According to testimony, Denise Williams knew her husband would be the victim of a homicide.