Fraud of the Week

November 23, 2015

Arson Fraud—Georgia

AMOUNT: $500+

 

An Augusta couple plead guilty to first-degree arson and insurance fraud for setting fire to a residence. The house had been put into the name of one of the individuals involved four days before the fire was set. The fire was started by putting a space heater next to a mattress. One individual with a history of property damage crimes was sentenced to five years in prison and five years probation, and the remainder of two previous probation sentences was revoked giving him an additional eighteen months to serve. He had suggested returning to a rehab program as part of his sentence but the judge did not agree. The other party involved was sentenced to five years probation.