Multiple Fraud Arrests

Lawrence Babb, 35, Kristina Hermanson, 27, Erin Bowers, 32, and Kenneth Montalvo, 42, were arrested and charged with felony counts of insurance fraud, grand theft, conspiracy, and money laundering in the San Francisco area. Twenty-four claims with CSAA, Allstate, and State Farm Insurance Companies were filed by Hermanson, Bowers and Babb.

These claims involved the aforementioned suspects as claimants or as injured parties for claims involving property damage and the theft of property. Insurance companies paid settlements ranging from $3,200 to $15,000. Montalvo, who worked at Autoban Motors, was the contact person for insurance company representatives sent by Hermanson, where most of the alleged vehicle repairs and/or vehicle parts purchases were made as part of the claims.

Bail for the suspects ranges from $50,000 to $150,000. The investigation was conducted by the Benicia Regional Office Urban Auto Task Force and the San Francisco District Attorney’s Office.