A Monroe, La., woman has pleaded guilty to mail fraud, admitting that she filed a $116,000 insurance claim for $1,000 in assets.
U.S. Attorney Stephanie Finley says 54-year-old Lasandra Edwards filed for bankruptcy in October 2013, saying her furniture and clothing were worth $1,000. That November, she bought a renters’ policy claiming $100,000 in assets. Edwards’ house caught fire and burned on Dec. 1, 2013.
The defendant attended a creditors’ hearing associated with her bankruptcy case on Dec.10, 2013. She reaffirmed the information in the previous filings that her furniture and clothing were valued at $1,000. However, the next day on Dec. 11, 2013, Edwards filed a claim under her insurance policy with State Farm falsely stating that her personal property was valued at $116,063.
Edwards faces up to 20 years in prison, restitution and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled June 1.
A news release says Edwards entered the plea before a magistrate judge, and it will become final when accepted by a district judge.
Was this article valuable?
Here are more articles you may enjoy.
AIG’s Zaffino: Outcomes From AI Use Went From ‘Aspirational’ to ‘Beyond Expectations’ 
Judge Tosses Buffalo Wild Wings Lawsuit That Has ‘No Meat on Its Bones’ 
CFC Owners Said to Tap Banks for Sale, IPO of £5 Billion Insurer 
World’s Growing Civil Unrest Has an Insurance Sting 
