6 Plead Guilty in Louisiana Auto Accident Insurance Fraud Scheme
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Six defendants in a case involving an automobile accident insurance fraud scheme in Louisiana have pleaded guilty, U.S. Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced.
The pleas were heard by U.S. District Judge S. Maurice Hicks, Jr. on July 22, the day trial was set to begin.
Pleading guilty to fraud charges were:
- Bobby Lee Kimble, 42, of Athens, La., – conspiracy, wire fraud, and health care fraud;
- Joe Abbott, 54, of Arcadia, La., – conspiracy, mail fraud, and health care fraud;
- Marcus Kimble, 30, of Arcadia, La., – conspiracy, wire fraud, and health care fraud;
- Damario Henderson, 29, of Homer, La., – conspiracy and health care fraud;
- Monica Jenkins, 25, of Athens, La., – conspiracy, mail fraud, and health care fraud; and
- Larry Kimble, 33, of Athens, La., – conspiracy and wire fraud.
Federal officials said defendants staged and fabricates automobile accidents, and submitted fraudulent claims to insurance companies for bodily injury and property damage.
The “Kimble Ring,” which was composed of family, friends and associates, staged accidents including two automobile rear-end collisions, single automobile collisions with trees, and false hit and run claims. False claims were filed for accidents in Bienville Parish, Ruston, La., Athens, La., and Claiborne Parish between December 2007 and March 2008, the U.S Attorney’s Office said.
Conspirators face up to five years in prison and three years of supervised release for conspiracy to commit fraud. They face 10 years in prison and three years of supervised release for health care fraud, up to 20 years in prison and three years supervised release for wire fraud, and up to 20 years in prison and two years supervised release for mail fraud.
The charges also each carry a $250,000 fine and restitution.
Sentencing dates are Nov. 13 and 14, 2013.
The Louisiana State Police investigated the case; Assistant U.S. Attorney Earl M. Campbell prosecuted.
Source: U.S. Attorney’s Office
http://www.insurancejournal.com/news/southcentral/2013/07/23/299448.htm
