Calif. Suspects Arrested for $20,000 in Auto Insurance Fraud

An investigation by the California Department of Insurance (CDI) Fraud Division and four additional state law enforcement groups has led to the arrest of multiple alleged automobile insurance fraud perpetrators. Four suspects, Federico Quistian, 58, of Sunnyvale, Calif.; Roberto Garcia Morales, 21, of Gilroy, Calif.; Jorge Martinez, 27, of Hollister, Calif.; and Maria Lorensa Chavarria, 48, of Hollister, were arrested Aug. 15, 2007. Freddie Quistian Jr., 38, of Gilroy, was in custody for unrelated charges and was served his arrest warrant at the San Benito County Jail. An arrest warrant remains out for Hector A. Barragan Garcia, 25, of Hollister, who was also allegedly involved in this case of automobile insurance fraud.

CDI launched an investigation after being notified of fraudulent automobile insurance theft claims by undercover operation officials investigating the suspects for other charges. The arrests followed a two-year undercover operation conducted by the Santa Cruz County Auto Theft Reduction & Enforcement (S.C.A.R.E.) Task Force, California Highway Patrol (CHP), California Department of Justice Bureau of Narcotics Enforcement (BNE), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

The CDI Fraud Division’s investigation revealed that the suspects were allegedly involved in an automobile insurance fraud scam, including filing false automobile insurance claims with Coast National Insurance Company and Hudson Insurance Company. The suspects allegedly defrauded the insurance companies of over $20,000.

This case is being prosecuted by the San Benito County District Attorney’s Office. The Department of Insurance meanwhile is seeking the location of Hector A. Barragan Garcia. Persons with information are being directed to contact 800-927-HELP.

Source: CDI