Authorities in New Jersey have charged Robert Halpin, 23, of Horsham, Pa., with two counts of arson for hire, conspiracy, aggravated arson, arson to collect insurance proceeds and attempted theft by deception for conspiring with Joseph A. Cirino Jr., 32, of Camden County, N.J., to “steal” his 2000 Honda Accord and set fire to it.
According to the indictment, Halpin reportedly carried out the scheme and set fire to Cirino’s Accord.
Cirino reported the vehicle stolen to police and submitted a stolen vehicle claim to the Allstate Insurance Company. On Aug. 18, Cirino pled guilty before Camden County Superior Court Judge Linda G. Baxter to a charge of arson of property for the purpose of collecting insurance proceeds. His sentencing is pending.
Unknown to Halpin, the arrangements to destroy the vehicle were reportedly made with an undercover state investigator from the Division of Criminal Justice. The indictment was handed up to Mercer County Superior Court Judge Linda R. Feinberg on Dec. 11. The case has been assigned to the Camden County Superior Court for trial. The State Grand Jury indictment also charges that on July 1, 2003, Halpin was paid $500 to set fire to and destroy a 2001 Nissan Altima.
Topics Fraud Pennsylvania
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