February 20, 2015
For Immediate Release
Contact: Tim Connolly 508-368-7236
Or 508-688-5565
WORCESTER – When a Leominster man reported to his insurance company that he crashed his car into a concrete barrier in Worcester he neglected to say he was wearing a helmet, chest protector and elbow pads at the time.
The claim was investigated by the insurer and denied. The Insurance Fraud Bureau then requested that the Office of Worcester County District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr. prosecute the man for motor vehicle insurance fraud. Before the case went to trial, the defendant, Christopher Foti, 35, of Leominster pleaded guilty and was sentenced to nine months in the House of Correction.
“This is the sort of fraud that, if left unchecked, would lead to higher insurance rates for the people of Worcester County,” Mr. Early said. “I am happy to partner with the Insurance Fraud Bureau.”
In another Worcester case that was completed last year, Antonio Quinones, 58, reported his car stolen. The car was recovered several weeks later and Mr. Quinones’ claim was investigated by the insurer and denied. The IFB requested the District Attorney’s Office prosecute the case. After a jury trial in Central District Court, Mr.Quinones was sentenced to 2 ½ years in the House of Correction for motor vehicle insurance fraud and attempted larceny. Upon his release from the first sentence, Mr. Quinones is to begin his sentence of one year in the House of Correction for filing a false police report.
“The Insurance Fraud Bureau of Massachusetts and DA Early have been partners in the fight against insurance fraud for over eight years,” said Anthony M. DiPaolo, Chief of Investigations of the Insurance Fraud Bureau of Massachusetts. “This partnership has resulted in cost savings of about $150 million and reduced automobile insurance premiums for the citizens of Worcester County. DA Early’s commitment to fight insurance fraud has made this program a success.”
The Office of District Attorney receives a grant from the Massachusetts Division of Insurance to help offset the cost of the program.