West Virginia Man Admits Staging Crashes In Insurance Scam
A Buckhannon, West Virginia man has pleaded guilty to defrauding insurance companies by staging vehicle accidents and filing fake claims.
Forty-two-year-old Christopher John Thrain pleaded guilty to one count of mail fraud last week before U.S. Magistrate John Kaull in Clarksburg.
U.S. Attorney William Ihlenfeld said Thrain is an auto body repair specialist who talked people into staging accidents. Thrain and others would then file false claims with their insurance companies.
Thrain admitted in court that he used the federal postal system to obtain a check for more than $2,700 as part of that scheme.
Thrain is free on bond but faces up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine when sentenced.
Copyright 2026 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Popular Today
- US Personal Lines Insurers Ask for Less Rate After Period of Catch-Up
- Arthur J. Gallagher’s RPS Acquires McKee Risk Management
- Viewpoint: AI Insurance Is Not Cyber Insurance With Extra Steps
- People Moves: Gallagher Appoints Practice Leaders From Assured Partners; Willis Makes Moves Across Corporate Risk & Broking North America Growth Leadership