Insurance Fraud Arrests

An investigation by the CDI Criminal Investigations Branch’s Fraud Division led to the arrests of Robert L. Pritchett, 28, of Patterson, Calif. and Francisco Fernandez, 37, of Newman, Calif. Pritchett was booked into the Stanislaus County Jail on three felony counts of insurance fraud and Fernandez was booked on two felony counts of insurance fraud.

According to investigators, Pritchett claimed his vehicle was vandalized and his new rims and tires were stolen. As proof of purchase, Pritchett offered an alleged sales receipt from F&L Tire located in Modesto. The receipt was an estimate only and Pritchett had never purchased the rims and tires as claimed, according to investigators. As a result, F&L Tire co-owner Francisco Fernandez also reportedly admitted to investigators he illegally supplied Pritchett with the fraudulent receipt in support of the insurance claim.

Bail was set at $15,000 each. If convicted, both could face up to five years in state prison and/or a maximum fine of $50,000.