Lisa A. Mitchell, 46 and Robert R. Jones, 56, both of Wilmington, were indicted by a New Castle County grand jury after an investigation by the Department of Insurance Fraud Prevention Bureau. Mitchell and Jones were indicted on two felony counts each, of insurance fraud and attempted theft over $1,500.
Both remain at large.
The indictment alleges that Mitchell and Jones submitted an insurance claim related to an auto accident. According to a release, they knowingly provided false and misleading statements claiming injuries.
On June 30, 2016, both claimed that they pulled into a parking space in the 2200 block of Lamotte Street in Wilmington when another vehicle struck their vehicle’s rear bumper.
Police were contacted and found no damage to Mitchell’s car. At the time of the collision, Mitchell’s car was occupied by Robert Jones and another person.
In recorded statements with the insurance company, both claimed injury.
In recorded statements, both provided conflicting statements and claimed that additional people were passengers in the vehicle who sustained injury. As the investigation continued, both individuals advised the insurance company that they would settle the claim for $2,000 for pain and suffering.
The driver of the other vehicle said the collision involved a bump with no damage and saw two occupants of claimant’s vehicle.
Insurance Commissioner Trinidad Navarro stated, “The Department of Insurance’s Fraud Prevention Bureau investigates dozens of these cases each year, and they are on the rise. We take these crimes seriously, and will investigate all of these cases and seek indictments on the ones that can be prosecuted. We look forward to working with the Office of the Attorney General to continue to address the issue of insurance fraud in our state and ensure that those who commit such acts are held accountable.”
Consumers are advised to call police if appropriate, or take down names of those involved as well as witnesses, and, if possible, photograph the vehicles involved.
Those who know a suspect in a false insurance claim can contact the Fraud Prevention Bureau at 302-674-7350 or email us at fraud@state.de.us.