Divorce Leads Calif. Man to Fraud Arrest

On March 12, 2002, investigators with the California Department of Insurance (CDI) Criminal Investigations Branch’s Fraud Division arrested Jamel Hassan Nichols, 33, for insurance fraud.

According to investigators, the investigation began with two referrals from the California State Automobile Association (CSAA) Insurance Company. The investigation involved Gloria and Jamel Nichols, a married couple insured by CSAA with both homeowner’s and automobile policies. While obtaining a divorce, Jamel reportedly filed a homeowner’s claim for losses incurred in a home burglary. Gloria subsequently filed an automobile claim for vandalism done to her vehicle.

Jamel’s homeowner’s claim stemmed from a burglary reportedly occurring while he was at church. Several days after the burglary, Jamel contacted CSAA and initiated a claim for property allegedly stolen in the burglary. During the handling of the claim, he allegedly denied any knowledge of the suspect(s) identity, the whereabouts of the property, and presented a proof of loss itemizing the items taken.

The investigation further revealed that Gloria allegedly removed the reportedly stolen items from the home after a separation from Jamel. Furthermore, Jamel allegedly knew that Gloria had the items and even reported that to police. In fact, during the handling of the claim, Jamel and Gloria attended an informal “mediation” with their church pastor during which Jamel submitted a written list requesting Gloria return the property. Jamel is alleged to have listed many of the items reported as stolen to CSAA.

During the processing of Jamel’s claim, Gloria filed an unrelated vehicle vandalism claim against her automobile policy. At the time of the occurrence, a witness claims to have observed Jamel allegedly vandalize the car by scratching it with a set of keys. Gloria filed a police report and initiated her insurance claim. During the processing of her claim, Jamel contacted CSAA twice alleging that Gloria was committing insurance fraud and had vandalized the car herself. In doing so, Jamel attempted to have CSAA deny Gloria’s legitimate claim.

At the time of his arrest, Jamel allegedly admitted lying to CSAA about the burglary, however, denied any involvement in the vandalism of his estranged wife’s vehicle.

Jamel’s burglary claim was eventually denied by CSAA and Gloria’s vandalism claim was ultimately paid.