May 13, 2016
Las Vegas, NV – Nevada Attorney General Adam Paul Laxalt announced that James Maurice Samuel, Sr., 46, of California, pleaded guilty to one count of insurance fraud, a category “D” felony. The fraudulent acts were committed between February 2013 and January 2014.
Samuel filed a claim with USAA Insurance for damage to his personal property due to an alleged flood caused by a malfunctioning water heater in his former North Las Vegas residence. In support of his insurance claim, Samuel submitted forged receipts, and as a result, was paid thousands of dollars under his renters’ insurance policy.
“Insurance fraud undermines the integrity of the insurance system and punishes honest and hard-working Nevadans with higher premiums,” said Laxalt. “My Office will continue to prosecute those who seek to obtain fraudulent benefits.”
Insurance fraud is punishable by up to four years of imprisonment and a fine of no more than $5,000. The sentencing hearing for Samuel is scheduled for September 7, 2016 in the Eighth Judicial District Court.
This case was jointly investigated by the National Insurance Crime Bureau and the Office of the Nevada Attorney General’s Insurance Fraud Control Unit. Senior Deputy Attorney General Roger R. Madsen is prosecuting this case.
To view the criminal Information against Samuel, click here. To file a complaint concerning someone suspected of committing fraud, click here.
SAMUEL, JAMES MAURICE
(Photo
Courtesy of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department)
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