Three Charged in Staged Auto Theft Scam in Fresno

Californians Edna Mancillas, 67, and her two nephews, Gilbert Blancas, 20; and Ricardo Blancas, 23, were charged with involvement in a staged auto theft, the California Department of Insurance reported. All three suspects were charged with felony insurance fraud. In addition, Gilbert Blancas was charged with one misdemeanor count of falsely reporting a criminal offense. Ricardo Blancas was charged with a felony count of assault with a deadly weapon.

According to CDI detectives, Ricardo Blancas was involved in a hit and run accident on Jan. 1, 2009. An investigation by the Fresno Police Department revealed that Ricardo, who was allegedly intoxicated, had purportedly followed a woman victim for several miles, and repeatedly rammed his own vehicle into the back of the victim’s car. The woman called 911 during the course of this incident. Before police arrived, she stopped her car to seek assistance from a security guard. At that point, Ricardo allegedly rammed his car into the victim’s vehicle again, rendering her unconscious. Ricardo then allegedly fled the scene.

CDI detectives discovered that Edna Mancillas and Gilbert Blancas had filed a false vehicle theft report with the Fresno Police Department within hours after the ramming incident. Mancillas then filed a false insurance claim supported by facts submitted by Ricardo and Gilbert Blancas. An anonymous tip helped detectives discover that the vehicle had not been stolen.

If convicted, each suspect could face up to five years in state prison and/or a fine of $50,000 for each count, plus restitution.

The Fresno County District Attorney’s Office prosecuted this case.

Source: CDI