Fraud of the Week

Arson – Pennsylvania

Amount – $35,000

The County Transcript treasurer and president have both been charged with felony counts in the burning of a building containing a newspaper and apartments. The treasurer has been charged with felony counts for arson – danger of death or injury, arson – intent to collect insurance, false or fraudulent insurance claim and criminal conspiracy to file false or fraudulent insurance claim. The president received similar charges. Video from a convenience store across the street showed the two entering the building, emerging a short time later with a box and putting it in the car, locking the door and leaving. A passing dog walker stopped and smelled smoke and called 911. The fire was discovered two minutes after the two left the building.