Nev. Man Sentenced in Fraud Case

Nevada Attorney General Brian Sandoval announced that Alex John Elias, 40, of Reno, was sentenced after pleading guilty to felony insurance fraud before Judge Kosach in the Second Judicial District Courthouse. Kosach sentenced Elias to 48 months in prison, the maximum for the offense, with no probation and ordered him to pay $2,642.36 in restitution.

Elias was arrested on July 23, 2004 after he and four other people reportedly staged an accident in order to fraudulently get money from Sentry/Dairyland Insurance Company. Elias reportedly lured four younger people into the scheme including his own son, who is a juvenile.

He convinced them to go with him to Six Mile Canyon Road in Storey County and run his vehicle off the road and into an obstacle. All involved reportedly lied to police and the insurance company reporting that a white van had run them off the road. Elias pretended to be injured hoping to obtain a large compensation from the insurance company. Elias planned the scheme and promised the other perpetrators that he would pay them money for their participation.

One of reported the perpetrators, Matthew Weaver came forward and told the insurance company and investigators with the NDOJ’s Insurance Fraud Unit what really happened and who was involved.

Elias reportedly has a substantial criminal record including convictions for DUI, trespassing and arrests for arson and narcotics possession.

Elias will begin serving this latest sentence after he completes his term for a DUI charge.