Branden Heywood of Chino, was using his identity and other people's identities, including those of his minor children, to submit fictitious medical records and altered California Highway Patrol collision reports. (Credit: Jan H. Andersen/Adobe Stock) Branden Heywood of Chino, was using his identity and other people's identities, including those of his minor children, to submit fictitious medical records and altered California Highway Patrol collision reports. (Credit: Jan H. Andersen/Adobe Stock)

A Chino, California, man has been arraigned on 39 felony counts for allegedly being the ringleader of an auto insurance fraud crew that specialized in running "paper collision" scams, according to the state's department of insurance. Another five suspected participants have been charged with insurance fraud in connection to the ring, which has pulled in more than $80,000 from the scheme.

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Steve Hallo

Steve Hallo is managing editor of PropertyCasualty360.com. He can be reached at [email protected]