A California resident was arrested for falsely reporting that his car was stolen, wrecked, and then returned to his driveway by auto thieves.
Robert Nelson filed a claim with his insurance company that reported his 2005 Ford Expedition was stolen from his driveway in the middle of the night. Nelson claimed that he hosted a gathering of about a dozen acquaintances at his home and went to bed at 8 pm on Oct. 27, 2007, while his guests remained at his home. He claimed that he did not hear his Expedition being driven back to his home on three wheels, but found the damaged vehicle when he awoke the next morning.
Nelson's insurance company paid out a claim of $26,000 for replacement costs for Nelson's damaged vehicle. However, California Department of Insurance investigators, acting on a tip, discovered that a witness heard Nelson's vehicle strike another car in the early morning of Oct. 28. The witness followed the Expedition to Nelson's home. Another witness claimed to have watched Nelson walking near his vehicle and into his home following the crash.
Nelson's alibi was quickly debunked by investigators. Though Nelson claimed to have had several friends over that evening, witnesses reported that there were no additional cars present at Nelson's home on the night when the supposed party occurred.Nelson was charged with filing a false police report and knowingly presenting a fraudulent insurance claim. He faces up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $50,000.
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