Ex-adjuster Sentenced for Fraudulent Claims in San Antonio

A former insurance adjuster has been sentenced to 30 months in prison for his role in a scheme to collect claims for shoddy home repairs or work that was never done.

Chandler S. Bruton, 39, pleaded guilty in December 2005 to conspiracy to commit insurance fraud against his former employer, Allstate Insurance Co.

U.S. District Judge Fred Biery also ordered Bruton to pay restitution to Allstate, which lost more than $1.3 million.

Bruton admitted issuing numerous checks for the fraudulent claims to Roland F. Villarreal, 45, of Poteet, and accepting kickbacks, Bruton’s plea documents show.

The conspiracy lasted from 1996 to 2002, the documents said.

In a deal with prosecutors, Bruton agreed to testify against Villarreal.

Villarreal pleaded guilty in January to conspiracy to commit money laundering. He is scheduled to be sentenced Friday with a recommended sentencing range of 46 to 57 months in prison.

Information from: San Antonio Express-News, www.mysanantonio.com.