Two Texas residents are feeling the heat after admittedlytorching their home to collect insurance, only to later renege ontheir joint promise to repay then-insurer, Texas Farm BureauUnderwriters.

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The insurance company filed a lawsuit on Aug. 19 in JeffersonCounty District Court against former policyholders Brent and CoreyWise in an effort to recoup the more than $60,000 it paid on thefire-related claim in question.

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According to the complaint, Texas Farm Bureau Underwritersissued a policy to Brent and Ambra Wise for their property inBeaumont, Texas. Brent Wise allegedly instructed Corey Wise to“burn down his property” on Sept. 6, 2007. Later, the insurer paidBrent Wise $2,000 for living expenses after he claimed to have noinvolvement in the arson. In addition, the company paid him $60,000 in policybenefits.

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See related fraud: “Deliver Us from Evil”

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After collecting the money, Brent and Corey Wise admitted toconspiring to set the fire, the insurance company claims in thecomplaint. Following that revelation, the Wises reportedly promisedto repay Texas Farm Bureau Underwriters the funds distributed as aresult of the arson. However, the insurer has not received a redcent and is thus filing charges of breach of contract, fraud, civilconspiracy, and unpaid debt. Additionally, it seeks actual,punitive and exemplary damages, plus attorneys' fees, costs, pre-and post-judgment interest at the maximum rate allowed by law andany other “relief the court deems just.”

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No further information is available at this time, but sparks areexpected to fly in Jefferson County Court.

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