Arrests for March 2001
These arrests were made possible through the cooperation of the Frauds Bureau, law enforcement, the insurance industry and the public.
To report suspected incidents of insurance fraud, call 1-888-FRAUDNY
CAUGHT!
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- GUILTY PLEA
The owner of a body shop pled guilty on 3/13/01 to attempting to commit a crime, commercial bribing in the 2nd degree and criminal solicitation in the 5th degree, and was sentenced to ten days community service. The defendant was arrested in June 2000 on charges of offering a bribe to an insurance adjuster (who was in reality an undercover investigator) in exchange for an inflated repair estimate. The arrest was the result of an investigation by the Frauds Bureau and the Brooklyn District Attorney’s office with the assistance of the insurance company involved.
- TRIPPED UP BY PHONY CERTIFICATE
Arrested on 3/30/01
Charged with insurance fraud in the 5th degree
An upstate New York man is charged with creating a fraudulent certificate of insurance coverage in order to obtain a subcontracting job in the City of Elmira. While employed at the job, a claim was made against the insurer listed on the phony certificate, revealing that the subcontractor in fact had no coverage. The Frauds Bureau and the Elmira Police Department conducted the investigation.
- STOLEN CAR TURNS UP IN REPAIR
SHOP
Arrested on 3/27/01
Charged with insurance fraud in the 3rd degree
A factory worker from Buffalo submitted a claim to her insurer stating that her car had been stolen from the parking lot of a supermarket on December 11, 2000. She was paid more than $15,000 on her claim. However, an investigation conducted by the Frauds Bureau, the New York State Police and the insurer in the case produced evidence that the car had been in a repair shop with a seized motor from November 2000 through January 2001.
- HIT BUT NOT RUN
Arrested on 3/25/01
Charged with insurance fraud in the 4th degree, falsifying business records in the 1st degree, making a punishable false written statement and falsely reporting an incident in the 3rd degree.
This defendant is accused of falsely reporting to the Otsego County Sheriff’s Office and his insurer that his car was involved in a hit-and-run accident while parked overnight at a local shopping mall. He also obtained an estimate of damage for more than $1,900 and submitted it to his insurer. However, an investigation by the Frauds Bureau and the Sheriff’s Office revealed that his car was actually involved in a two-car accident, not a hit-and-run as he had initially reported.
- A COUPLE OF CHEATERS
Arrested on 3/19/01
Charged with insurance fraud in the 4th degree
Two residents of Niagara Falls were arrested in connection with a 7/00 burglary at the home of the woman. She submitted a claim to her homeowners insurer that included items of furniture allegedly stolen during the burglary. She maintained that these items had been recently purchased from her co-conspirator in the alleged fraud. An investigation conducted by the Frauds Bureau and the New York State Police uncovered evidence that the documents submitted by both defendants in support of the claim were fraudulent.
- BUSINESS AS USUAL
Arrested on 3/15/01
Charged with criminal possession of a forged instrument and grand larceny
An investigation by the Frauds Bureau and the Yonkers Police Department led to the arrest of a former insurance broker whose license had been revoked by the Insurance Department based on numerous complaints that he had collected insurance premiums but failed to remit them to the appropriate insurers. However, this revoked broker continued doing business and was arrested and charged again with failing to remit insurance premiums to the appropriate insurers. In addition, he is charged with selling fraudulent auto identification cards.
- TAKE MY CAR, PLEASE
Arrested on 3/14/01
Charged with insurance fraud in the 3rd degree and attempted grand larceny in the 3rd degree
The subject in this case submitted a claim to his insurer, together with an affidavit of vehicle theft that contained allegedly false information. The affidavit stated that his car, valued at $7,425, had been stolen while he was shopping at a local mall. However, an investigation by the Frauds Bureau and the Depew, NY Police Department revealed that the defendant had in fact arranged for the theft. The vehicle was recovered by the Buffalo Police Department in a burnt-out condition and the arrest was executed on a warrant obtained by the Frauds Bureau. The Bureau and the Buffalo Police Department’s Fire Investigation Unit are looking into possible arson charges.
PRIOR SUPPLEMENT
February 2001
- WHAT’S IN A NAME?
Arrested on 2/28/01
Charged with grand larceny, forgery and possession of a forged instrument
An investigation by the Frauds Bureau and the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office led to the arrest of a salesman on February 28 at JFK Airport in New York. The subject is accused of forging his wife’s signature on two loan applications and a disbursement request in order to obtain nearly $26,000 from her annuity account without her knowledge or permission. He also allegedly forged his wife’s signature for the purpose of withdrawing funds from her credit union and bank accounts. During the investigation, the subject fled New York State. The Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office issued a bench warrant for his arrest and he was subsequently transported from San Diego, California to the Suffolk County jail where he is being held on $50,000 bail pending disposition of the case.
