Trio Accused of Staging Auto Accidents in California

August 31, 2021

Three people face multiple charges in connection with staged auto insurance accidents Los Angeles, the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office reported.

Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón said Eduardo Retana, Ausencio Gomez and Victor Valle-Diaz, all of the city of Los Angeles were charged in felony case, accused of staging automobile accidents on local freeways — some causing major injuries — in order to collect money from insurance companies.

Retana was charged with 11 counts of assault with a deadly weapon and 10 counts of insurance fraud; Gomez with 10 counts of assault with a deadly weapon and nine counts of insurance fraud; and Valle-Diaz with eight counts of assault with a deadly weapon and four counts of insurance fraud.

Between Jan. 15, 2020 and Sept. 18, 2020, the defendants allegedly staged 15 accidents on Los Angeles County freeways with 21 victims, some of whom suffered severe injuries as a result. As part of a purported insurance fraud ring, they allegedly defrauded insurance companies of nearly $330,000.

The case is PA097083; it is being investigated by the California Department of Insurance.

Source: Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office

Topics California Auto

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