In September 2009, Stephanie Jean Holanek, of Wilmington, reported a water damage claim to her insurance company as a result of a toilet overflowing on the main level of her residence. Upon investigation, however, the Department of Insurance alleges that her bowl indeed didn't runneth over.
State Farm Fire and Casualty Insurance Company paid out $27,430 for expenses filed as part of the fraudulent claim, and then Holanek attempted to collect an additional $9,321 based on other fraudulent expenses.
Authorities with the Department of Insurance, however, believe they have flushed out the truth. Holanek, 40, was arrested on Oct. 20 and charged with four counts of insurance fraud, three counts of obtaining property by false pretense, and one count of attempting to obtain property by false pretense. She is being held under a $12,500 unsecured bond.
An estimated 10 cents of every dollar paid in premiums goes toward the payment of fraudulent claims. Since 2008, criminal investigators with the Department of Insurance, have received more than 11,500 complaints, resulting in 550 arrests, 300 criminal convictions, and more than 115 cases currently pending a court appearance. These arrests have resulted in more than $47.6 million in restitution and recoveries for victims.
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