A six-week trial over whether Stockton Unified School District board member AngelAnn Flores misused public funds and filed a fraudulent insurance claim is drawing to a close, with closing arguments expected Tuesday in Department 6D of San Joaquin County Superior Court.
Flores, who has pleaded not guilty, faces three felony counts—embezzlement of public funds, misuse of a district-issued credit card, and making a false insurance claim. Prosecutors assert she used her card for personal expenses and backdated a minor car accident to secure insurance coverage. Flores denies wrongdoing, contending the case is politically motivated, tied to her past cooperation as an FBI whistleblower investigating district contracting practices.
Insurance-Fraud Allegation: Messaging Timeline Under Scrutiny
According to deputy mirandized cellphone data, an October 15, 2022 fender-bender occurred while Flores was driving in dense fog. Shortly before obtaining a six‑month policy later that same morning, Flores texted a contact labeled “mychild,” stating: “I hit my coworker’s car this morning … backed into the car.” At 9:50 a.m. that day, prosecutors say she messaged coworker Randy Gaines: “I am going to contact my insurance agent on Friday morning … No police report is needed.” The policy was purchased later that day, and the crash was reported three days later, on Nov. 18.
Despite insurers flagging the claim as suspicious, internal policy required payout once eligibility was established. Sentry Insurance claims adjuster Stacy Maguire testified this week that she would have denied the claim had she known Flores purchased the policy three days before reporting the incident—a revelation prompted by a “fraud flag.” Ultimately, though, the insurer paid $2,010.68 to the vehicle’s owner…