When Randy Ekmerck proposed to his girlfriend, the future sheenvisioned likely didn't involve insurance fraud, followed by alengthy separation. Ekmerck's betrothed also may not have realizedthat the symbol of his fidelity—an engagement ring—wouldeventually be used as an instrument for deceit.

But that's exactly what happened when the Pembroke, N.H. mantold his insurance company the sparkler had been lost, filed aclaim, and then traded the diamond ring in question forquick cash.

On Dec. 13, 2011, Ekmerck took out a policy for thering with State Farm Insurance, only to file a claim on itthe next month. Although he relayed a semi-plausiblestory—that the ring fell in a running kitchen disposal—Ekmerckfailed to cooperate with the company's investigation.State Farm then took action, denying the claim and notifying thestate's insurance fraud unit.

The investigation confirmed Ekmerck had pawned the ring,which was eventually recovered at Atlantic Traders in Chichester,N.H.

As part of a negotiated plea arrangement, Ekmerck pleaded guiltyto the Class B felony of insurance fraud. On Sept. 26, 2012, thecourt sentenced him to serve a year in the county jailand pay a $2,000 fine, both of which will be suspendedpending a year of good behavior. Additionally, the clumsy suitorwill be on probation for 1 year and must submit to anevaluation from a licensed alcohol and drug addictioncounselor.