Man Reveals Inconsistencies in Claim

Steven M. Smith, 24, of Woodlake, Calif., was charged with six counts of felony insurance fraud for allegedly staging the theft of his 2000 Dodge Neon.

According to CDI investigators, Smith filed a claim with his insurance company, Permanent General Assurance, claiming his car was stolen from his home on July 23, 2001. An investigation by Permanent General discovered several inconsistencies with Smith’s statements as to how the theft occurred. Smith was confronted with the inconsistencies during an examination under oath, which resulted in his withdrawing his claim.

Smith reportedly confessed to CDI investigators that he staged the theft of his vehicle in order to file a false insurance claim. He admitted to hiring an individual to take his vehicle from a predetermined location and dispose of it.

According to Smith, the accomplice allegedly took the vehicle to an orchard near Woodlake and burned it beyond recognition on the night of July 23, 2001. Smith returned to his home in Madera and reported his vehicle stolen to the Madera Police Department.