Insurance Fraud Investigation Leads to Arrest of Hawaii Police Recruit

An investigation by the Insurance Division’s Fraud Branch led to charges against a Honolulu Police Department (HPD) recruit just weeks before his graduation from the academy.

Earl Danielson Jr., 28, pleaded no contest on Monday Dec. 12, 2011, to second degree insurance fraud and second-degree attempted theft of more than $300. Both charges are class-C felonies.

The charges stem from a claim against Progressive Direct Insurance Co. sometime between March 2010 and May 2010.

In an unrelated case, a bench warrant was issued for former HPD officer Richard Moerles, 28. Moerles also faces charges of second-degree insurance fraud and second-degree attempted theft.

Moerles was indicted in August 2011 on suspicion of false claims against GEICO Insurance Co. Moerles is believed to be living in Idaho.

Source: Hawaii Insurance Division