West Virginia Woman Faces Insurance Fraud Charges

Deborah K. Wildberger of Morgan County was convicted earlier this month on three felony counts of insurance fraud.

According to the West Virginia Insurance Commission, Wildberger was found guilty of soliciting a tenant, Michael Hovermale, to burn her rental property in order to collect on the insurance policy. Hovermale pleaded guilty earlier this year to conspiracy and felony arson and testified against Wildberger at her trial, according to officials.

Wildberger was found guilty December 7, 2006, on one charge each of insurance fraud, conspiracy and obtaining money under false pretenses. Sentencing is set for February 22, 2007.

Prosecution and conviction in this case has been a joint effort between the Morgan County Prosecutor’s office, West Virginia State Police Sergeant David Bober and the Offices of the Insurance Commissioner’s Fraud Division.

Source: www.wvinsurance.gov