Investigators from the California Department of Insurance (CDI) Criminal Investigations Branch, Fraud Division, served arrest warrants on five local Fresno residents last week.
The arrests concluded a six-month investigation that began with a referral by GEICO Insurance alleging fraud on a reported theft and arson of a vehicle. A CDI investigation revealed that Hollie Bomboy, 19, was responsible for the theft and arson of her own vehicle in order to fraudulently obtain monies on an insurance claim. Bomboy was arrested on five felony counts including three charges of insurance fraud. Her bail was set at $66,000.
Investigators allege Bomboy conspired with and obtained assistance from four others in her attempt to defraud her insurance company. Michael C. Bettencourt, 20, John L. Mott III, 18, Elias Iniques, 19, and Mario Ray Sandoval Jr., 18, were each arrested for three felony counts including insurance fraud. Bail was set at $60,000 for each. If convicted, each could face up to five years in state prison and/or pay fines up to $50,000. The Fresno County District Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case.
During the investigation, Bomboy confessed her involvement stating that her vehicle had suffered from mechanical problems and she was experiencing financial hardship. Investigators say Bomboy named her co-conspirators, the part each played and the reward or benefit each received for their assistance.
According to investigators, in December of 2000, Bomboy drove her vehicle to Bettencourt’s residence, meeting with him, Mott, Iniques and Sandoval. After confirming the details of Bomboy’s insurance scam, she assisted the suspects in removing her car stereo and personal property. Bomboy left the vehicle with the other suspects and departed to a shopping mall. Sandoval, Mott and Iniques drove to a gas station and filled a can obtained from Mott’s garage with gasoline.
According to investigators, while Bomboy was at the mall awaiting instructions from Bettencourt to report her vehicle stolen, the other suspects drove her vehicle out near Caruthers. Investigators say Sandoval kicked out a window to feign forced entry and the suspects then used the gasoline to ignite the vehicle afire.
Upon destruction of the vehicle, the suspects notified Bettencourt the car had been burned. Bettencourt then contacted Bomboy who then notified police and reported her vehicle stolen.
Bomboy stated to investigators that she gave Mott her car stereo, sold her amplifier and speakers to Bettencourt at a reduced price, allowed Iniques to pick what he wanted from the vehicle and agreed to pay Sandoval $100. The items and money were in exchange for their assistance in stealing and burning her vehicle. On the night of the arson, Bomboy submitted a claim to GEICO Insurance for the loss of her vehicle and would later add the stereo she had given to Mott to her claim. Bettencourt, Mott, Iniques and Sandoval each gave statements confirming their knowledge and involvement in Bomboy’s insurance scam and confirmed the events as described.
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