Delaware

Attorney General Corbett announces insurance fraud charges
against Delaware man accused of torching car

CHESTER - A Delaware man was arrested today for setting fire to his
2003 BMW in an alleged attempt to collect more than $47,000 in
insurance money to pay off his vehicle.

Attorney General Tom Corbett identified the defendant as Lewis Strand,
41, of 4 Little Circle, Middletown, Delaware.

"Fraudulent claims are a driving force behind the increased cost of
insurance," Corbett said. "My office is committed to prosecuting any and
all individuals who knowingly swindle insurance companies out of money."
According to court documents, on May 28, 2006, Strand allegedly drove
his vehicle into Philadelphia, poured gasoline in it and ignited the vehicle.
Corbett said after allegedly setting the car ablaze, Strand went out for
drinks and phoned the Chester Township Police to report his vehicle
stolen. Strand went on to call his insurance company, USAA Insurance
Company, and reported his car stolen as well. The vehicle was recovered
in Philadelphia on May 28, 2006 and deemed a total loss.

Corbett said the investigation revealed that the vehicle was set on fire
and reported stolen by Strand in order to collect insurance money for a
vehicle Strand allegedly no longer wanted.

Strand is charged with one count each of arson, insurance fraud,
attempted theft by deception and false reports to law enforcement
authorities.

Strand was arraigned today and bail was set at $50,000 unsecured. A
preliminary hearing is scheduled for Nov. 28, 2007.

The case will be prosecuted in Chester County by Senior Deputy
Attorney General Gregg Shore of the Attorney General's Insurance Fraud
Section.

Corbett thanked the Chester Township Police Department for their
assistance and cooperation with this matter.
(A person charged with a crime is presumed innocent until proven guilty.)

http://www.attorneygeneral.gov/press.aspx?id=3044