La. Man Convicted in Scheme to Defraud State Farm

Dennis Ingles, 51, of Haughton, Louisiana was convicted recently of one count of conspiracy, four counts of mail fraud, and one count of wire fraud, United States Attorney Donald Washington announced.

The conviction arises out of a reported scheme to defraud State Farm Insurance Company between June 2003, and October 2003. Ingles reportedly hired Willie Hilson of Bossier City to burn a camp near Lake Bistineau.

Hilson, 50, pled guilty in July to one count of wire fraud. Hilson was to be sentenced on Oct. 28.

Ingles faces a maximum penalty of 5 years in prison on the conspiracy count and up to 20 years on each fraud count, a $250,000 fine on each, or both.

Under U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, actual sentences are based upon a formula that takes into account the severity and characteristics of the offense, and a defendant’s criminal history, if any.