News from New York State Insurance Department

For more information contact: Ronald Klug, 212-480-2285

Four Charged in Scheme to Collect Insurance for Abandoned Car

NEW YORK, NY (11/26/2007; 1430)(readMedia)-- Four people have been arrested on charges they vandalized and then abandoned a 1995 Dodge Intrepid in a Genesee County field so they could split the proceeds from an insurance claim.

The owner of the car, Donna M. Kroft, 24, of 5 Thomas Ave., Batavia, has been charged with insurance fraud and falsifying business records. Charges of insurance fraud have been lodged against three others. They are David N. Taplin, 30, of 45 Newport Dr., Holley; Theresa S. Nichols, 45, of 5 Thomas Ave., Batavia; and Joshua E. Nichols, 21, of 26 Main St., Oakfield.

The four were arrested following a joint investigation by the Frauds Bureau of the New York State Insurance Department and the New York State Police in Batavia. Allstate Insurance Company assisted in the investigation. The investigation was begun after the abandoned car was found and police questioned Kroft. Authorities said the four people admitted to police that they vandalized and then abandoned the car so that Kroft could file an insurance claim.

If convicted, the four could be sentenced to up to three years in prison for insurance fraud and Kroft could face an additional sentence of up to three years for falsifying business records.

Gary S. Sullivan investigated the case for the Insurance Department. Genesee County District Attorney Larry Friedman is prosecuting the case. The defendants have been ordered to make separate appearances in Batavia City Court. Nichols was ordered to appear on Nov. 27; Kroft on Nov. 28; Theresa Nichols on Nov. 29; and Taplin on Dec. 5.

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