Texas Bugatti Owner Destroys Vehicle in Insurance Fraud Scheme

A Lufkin, Texas, man has pleaded guilty to federal violations in the Eastern District of Texas, according to an announcement by U.S. Attorney John M. Bales.

According to information presented in court, in October 2009, Andy Lee House purchased a 2006 Bugatti Veyron for $1 million and had it insured for $2.2 million. On Nov. 11, 2009, House drove the vehicle into the Gulf Bay near La Marque, Texas, and upon exiting the Bugatti, left the motor running, resulting in the engine taking on large amounts of salt water which destroyed the vehicle.

House reported to first responders he was reaching for his cell phone when he swerved and accidentally drove into the bay. On Nov. 12, 2009, House called the insurance company and filed a $2.2 million claim on the Bugatti. However, he did not know that another motorist had videoed the accident, including the moment House drove the vehicle into the water, and then posted the video to YouTube.

House faces up to 20 years in federal prison at sentencing. A sentencing date has not been set.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Lufkin Police Department, the Texas Rangers, the Department of Public Safety-Criminal Investigation Division and the Nacogdoches Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher T. Tortorice.