W. Va. Man Jailed on Insurance Fraud Charge

A West Virginia man who previously pleaded guilty to one felony count of insurance fraud, is in a regional jail for committing insurance fraud, according to Insurance Commissioner, Jane L. Cline.

Cline said Bradley Vernatter pleaded guilty in February to one felony count of conspiracy to commit insurance fraud and admitted to his role in committing staged auto accidents. He was sentenced Wednesday August 22, 2007 to one year in a regional jail
and ordered to pay State Farm Insurance Company $2000.00 in restitution.

Two other men, Brian Estep and Harold Estep, also pleaded guilty to their role in the staged auto accident scheme. Both men face one to 10 years in jail and a fine of up to $10,000.00 each. Sentencing is set for Oct. 26.

Source: West Virginia Department of Insurance