Bringing down a deadly insurance arsonist has earned Fulton County District Attorney Louise K. Sira, the first-ever Prosecutor of the Year award by the New York Alliance Against Insurance Fraud (NYAAIF).
Sira spearheaded a two-year, multi-agency investigation that resulted in the conviction of Jeffrey Alnutt, his daughter and son-in-law for a deadly insurance-based arson. Alnutt was sentenced to 25 years to life in state prison.
In 2004, a rental property in Johnstown, owned by Alnutt, was destroyed by fire.The investigation fell short of the threshold for prosecution, remaining inactive. In 2007, a fire occurred at another Alnutt property in Gloversville. The building was destroyed and tenant Debra Morris was killed.
After interviewing more than 30 witnesses and working long nights and weekends, Sira discovered that Alnutt was in deep financial trouble, and was set to make $200,000 from the destruction of the building.
Sira's dedication to rooting out the truth, ability to piece together a complex case and leadership in the prosecution eventually led to Alnutt's sentencing.
"Sira succeeded despite difficult circumstances, budget constraints and few support staff," says John Sargent, NYAAIF. "Through hard work and relentless drive, District Attorney Sira took down a dangerous case of greed."
The award was presented by New York Frauds Bureau investigator Phil D'Angelo, who worked with Sira on the case.
The NYAAIF award launched this year, seeking to recognize best practices and outstanding success in prosecuting insurance fraud. NYAAIF is an alliance of more than 100 insurance companies that was created in 1999 to educate consumers about the cost of fraud and to help consumers avoid becoming victims. For more information, visit www.fraudny.org.
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