Mass. Man Guilty in Auto Scam

A Brockton, Massachusetts man has pleaded guilty to reportedly paying to have his vehicle taken and damaged and reporting it stolen to collect the insurance money, Attorney General Tom Reilly announced.

Michael Moreira, 23, pleaded guilty to one count each of motor vehicle insurance fraud, attempted larceny over $250, providing a false statement alleging the theft of a motor vehicle and falsely reporting a crime. Plymouth Superior Court Judge Joseph Walker sentenced Moreira to 15 months probation and 100 hours of community service. In addition, Moreira must pay a $1,000 fine and $3,560 in restitution to Hanover Insurance Company.

In June 2004, Moreira, who was living in Rockland at the time, reported to Rockland Police and Hanover Insurance Company that his 1999 Ford Explorer had been stolen during the night. Police recovered the truck later that day with extensive exterior damage and it was deemed a total loss, valued at more than $9,000.

AG Reilly’s investigation found that Moreira allegedly paid an individual $500 to take the vehicle, damage it and make it appear as if it were stolen for the purpose of collecting insurance proceeds.