Couple Involved in Fraud Scam Sentenced

June 23, 2003

Basheba and Cedric Peoples, both 35, of Las Vegas were sentenced for their alleged involvement in an internal insurance fraud scheme victimizing California State Automobile Association (CSAA).

The suspects were sentenced to nine months in the County Jail and the term of incarceration suspended, provided: both pay restitution to CSAA totaling the amounts of $3,350; each must also reimburse the AG’s Insurance Fraud Unit (IFU) $1,000 in investigative costs; and each must also complete Impulse Control Counseling.

While conducting a routine internal audit for CSAA, an investigative firm, Blande & Rodart, discovered the fraud. Further investigation by the Insurance Fraud Unit revealed that Guy Mitchell Sheets, a licensed insurance agent and regional supervisor with CSAA, along with Deborah Marie Bray, a claims adjuster under Sheets’ supervision, reportedly created approximately 20 false insurance claims, defrauding CSAA of over $180,000 during an 18 month period.

The conspiracy allegedly involved Sheets and Bray recruiting 14 other individuals and “packing” them into the accident claims in which they had no actual involvement. Sheets and Bray have been sentenced on their felony charges, as have most of the other participants.

Topics Fraud

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Insurance Journal Magazine June 23, 2003
June 23, 2003
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