Mercer County, New Jersey Man Charged in Insurance Fraud Scam and Identity Theft

December 19, 2007 -- TRENTON - New Jersey Attorney General Anne Milgram and Criminal Justice Director Gregory A. Paw announced today that a Mercer County man has been charged in a state grand jury indictment for his role in an insurance fraud and identity theft scam.

According to Insurance Fraud Prosecutor Greta Gooden Brown, Daniel L. Martin, aka Paul B. Harris, Jr., aka Preston C. Adams, aka Preston Adams, 46, Trenton, was charged with second-degree insurance fraud and three counts of second-degree identity theft.

The State Grand Jury indictment alleges that between July 9 and Oct. 6, 2003, Martin committed insurance fraud by signing and submitting eight documents in the name of Preston C. Adams and Preston Adams to the Liberty Mutual Insurance Company and the Prudential General Insurance Company to obtain or renew automobile insurance. The documents allegedly included a policy renewal questionnaire, a policy change request, an auto insurance policy application, a Certification of Continuous Automobile Insurance, a standard policy coverage selection form, an auto policy supplemental application, and a driver’s license in the name of Preston C. Adams. The indictment also alleges that Martin committed identity theft in that it is alleged he attempted to fraudulently procure automobile insurance in the name of Preston C. Adams.

State Investigator Wendy Wylie, Civil Investigator Robert Palentchar and Deputy Attorneys General Valerie A. Noto and Ronald Epstein were assigned to the investigation. Epstein presented the case to the state grand jury.

This case was referred to OIFP by the Special Investigative Unit of High Point Insurance Company, the successor to Prudential, which initially uncovered the fraud and assisted OIFP in the investigation. Insurance Fraud Prosecutor Brown thanks High Point for their involvement in this matter.

The indictment is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent unless or until proven guilty. Second degree crimes carry a maximum punishment of ten years in state prison and a criminal fine of up to $150,000. Martin also faces civil insurance fraud fines.

Source: New Jersey Attorney General