Aggrostats

On December 13, 2012, Detectives concluded a two month long investigation which resulted in the arrest of a Patterson woman. In July 2011, 30-year-old Katina Batiste obtained insurance coverage for a 2005 Chevrolet Impala. Several days after obtaining coverage, Batiste filed a damage claim for over $3,000.00 for damage she said was sustained to her vehicle. Detectives were able to obtain evidence that indicated the damage to Batiste’s vehicle had been sustained prior to her obtaining coverage.

Based on the evidence gathered by Detectives an arrest warrant for Batiste was obtained. She was arrested on December 13^th for insurance fraud and she was booked into the St. Mary Parish Jail.

On December 14, 2012, Detectives arrested John Bell Jr. of New Iberia for insurance fraud following a two month long investigation.

In June 2011, 70-year-old John Bell Jr., owner of Jo-Bell’s Wrecker Service, filed a theft claim with his insurance company. In the claim, Bell stated a 2005 Ford truck had been stolen from his property. The truck was recovered one week later, and Bell claimed that damage on the truck had been sustained during the period for which it was missing. Detectives found evidence that showed the damage to the truck had been sustained prior to it being reported stolen, and prior to it being insured. The value of Bell’s claim was over $9,000.00.

After securing an arrest warrant, Detectives booked Bell into the Iberia Parish Jail for insurance fraud. This case remains under investigation by Detectives. Troopers with Louisiana State Police Towing and Recovery Unit have been informed of the arrest, and have begun a separate investigation of Bell’s business.

If convicted of insurance fraud, under the state statute, it is a felony and a person may be imprisoned up to five years and fined up to five thousand dollars. The person may also have to pay restitution to the insurance company for any payments the court determines were not owed.

Detectives will continue working closely with the Department of Insurance and Insurance Companies to reduce the number of fraudulent claims filed by individuals. Anyone wishing to report suspected insurance fraud is urged to contact the Louisiana State Police at 337-262-3341, or the Louisiana Department of Insurance website at www.ldi.state.la.us. All information will remain strictly confidential, and rewards will be offered to persons with information leading to an arrest and conviction of someone for insurance fraud.

For More Information Contact:

TFC. Stephen Hammons
Louisiana State Police
Troop I- Public Affairs
337-262-1917
Stephen.hammons@dps.la.gov
www.LSP.org