LA Cops Charged With Fraud Over Car Burning

Authorities say two Los Angeles police officers have been charged with insurance fraud after one of them arranged to have his car taken to the desert and set on fire then submitted a claim for damages.

The district attorney’s office says 24-year-old Anthony Villanueva was arrested and charged with one count each of insurance fraud, arson and false report of a criminal offense.

Prosecutors allege that in April, Villanueva arranged to have his 2001 Lexus burned, then filed a stolen vehicle report and called the vehicle a total loss with an insurance company.

They say another officer, 27-year-old Ricardo Rebolledo, falsely vouched for Villanueva’s whereabouts. Rebolledo has been charged with one count of insurance fraud.