Jury Acquits Neurosurgeon on Conspiracy Charge

Monday, December 22, 2025 | 0

A jury acquitted a Southern California neurosurgeon charged with conspiracy to commit workers' compensation fraud, according to a report by MyNewsLA.com and information posted to the Orange County Superior Court website.

Jurors on Thursday found San Diego neurosurgeon Dr. Vrijesh Tantuwaya not guilty of the conspiracy charge, according to the court's website. 

The jury also split 7-5 for acquittal on the false or fraudulent claim charge, according to MyNewsLA.com. A hearing is scheduled for Jan. 29 on a motion to dismiss the remaining charge.

Prosecutors in a 2024 complaint alleged that Tantuwaya and his Injured Workers' Medical Group participated in an illegal referral scheme involving Southern California Insured Workers, a management company founded by David W. Fish, Robert Lee and Martin Brill.

The management company allegedly handled billings and collections for the medical group and referred patients to other providers for kickbacks.

Fish, Lee and Brill have all pleaded not guilty and are awaiting trial.

Fish reportedly worked for the management company as a consultant, but prosecutors alleged he had complete control over its operations.

The Division of Workers' Compensation in 2017 suspended Fish from participating in the state's system, citing a kickback conviction in 2010 and a capping and steering conviction in 1995.