Mother Arrested in “Stuffed Passenger” Accident Case

Ebony Kirk, of Sacramento, was arrested for falsely reporting herself as a passenger in an auto accident that occurred on Aug. 19, 2003. She was charged with four felony counts of insurance fraud and could face up to five years in state prison and a maximum fine of $150,000.

The case, being prosecuted by the Sacramento County District Attorney’s office, was investigated by the California Department of Insurance Fraud Division as part of an ongoing statewide investigation of insurance fraud and false insurance claims filing.

Kirk allegedly reported to 21st Century Insurance that she had received injuries resulting from the accident and began treatment with a doctor. Her insurance company later settled Kirk’s claim, paying her $2,400 in medical benefits. After further investigation, Kirk admitted in a recorded statement to fraud investigators that she was a “stuffed passenger,” a fictitious passenger in the vehicle at the time of the accident.