Man Who Aided Former Adjuster in $268K Auto Insurance Fraud Scheme Sentenced

A Colorado man who aided a former insurance claims adjuster in an auto insurance claims scheme was sentenced this week.

In 2020, Brassfield, 55, of Aurora, reportedly aided former Travelers Insurance employee Colette Palin, 63, of Aurora in committing fraud. An internal company investigation by Travelers flagged several of Palin’s claims as suspicious, and revealed that Brassfield, a known associate of Palin, was the beneficiary of two claim checks she issued.

Palin admitted she issued fraudulent payments to herself, Brassfield, and another associate, Malee Lor, 47, a former Thornton police officer.

After Travelers referred the case to the Financial Fraud Unit in the Criminal Justice Section of the Colorado Department of Law, the state’s investigation found Palin issued 64 fraudulent payments totaling $268,530 between 2018 and 2020. Brassfield received $23,344 and Lor received $31,495.

All three pleaded guilty to felony theft and insurance fraud.

Brassfield was sentenced to eight years of probation, ordered to pay $23,344 in restitution and serve 80 hours of community service. Palin pleaded guilty to felony theft and fraud charges in June and is scheduled to be sentenced August 19. Lor was sentenced to 10 years of probation and 120 hours of community service. Lor will pay restitution equal to the amount stolen.