A Macon, Ga.-based roofing contractor was arrested for insurance fraud and damage to property, according to Georgia Insurance Commissioner Ralph Hudgens.
Law enforcement officers from Hudgens’ Fraud Division and the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office arrested Anthony Christopher Bernardo, 48, on one count of insurance fraud and one count of criminal damage to property-second degree.
According to a joint investigation by Hudgens’ office, Macon Judicial Circuit District Attorney David Cooke’s office, and the Bibb County Sheriff’s office, Bernardo allegedly caused intentional damage to a residence in order to file a fraudulent insurance claim.
Bernardo, who was hired to inspect the Macon home’s roof, allegedly caused significant damage so that he could then solicit the homeowners’ to perform the necessary repairs.
The home, which was under contract to buyers, had been inspected three days prior to Bernardo’s assessment. The initial contractor noted no damage to the roof.
“Insurance fraud doesn’t only hurt homeowners who have legitimate roof damage claims, it makes everyone’s premiums go up,” Hudgens said. “I’m thankful to District Attorney Cooke’s office and the detectives of the White Collar Crime division of the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office with their help in this case.”
Insurance fraud is a felony that carries a penalty of two to ten years in prison, a fine up to $10,000, or, potentially, both.
Source: Georgia Department of Insurance Fraud
Topics Fraud Georgia Contractors
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