N.Y. Man Arrested for Fraudulently Reporting Auto Theft to Further Scheme

New York Superintendent of Insurance Gregory Serio announced the arrest of Ricky DeSantis of Rochester, who was charged with insurance fraud, attempted grand larceny and falsifying business records.

It is alleged that on Feb. 10, 2003 DeSantis, 22, added a 1990 Mazda MPV mini-van to his State Farm Insurance Company automobile policy. On Feb. 15, he reported to State Farm Insurance Company, that he left the van running in a parking lot of a local mini mart, and it was stolen. Subsequently, the van was involved in a hit-and-run accident.

The investigation revealed that DeSantis purported to State Farm Insurance that he owned the 1990 Mazda MPV minivan, when in fact he placed the vehicle on his auto policy for a friend who could not get insurance due to his driving record. DeSantis reportedly further made false statements to State Farm in connection with the theft and subsequent accident.

DeSantis was arrested and released on an appearance ticket to appear in Brighton Town Court on April 28 to answer the charges.

He faces up to four years in prison if convicted. The investigation was conducted by the Department’s Frauds Bureau, the New York State Police Auto Theft Unit and the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles Criminal Investigation Division.