Great Lakes Wire

Five individuals from Michigan and one from New Jersey are set to face trial in the 16th Circuit Court in Macomb County. They are accused of orchestrating an auto insurance fraud scheme that targeted residents involved in car accidents. This announcement was made by Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel and Anita Fox, Director of the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS).

“We have alleged here a systematic, far-reaching criminal network that we believe was operating a sophisticated insurance fraud scheme for years,” stated Nessel. She expressed gratitude for the partnership with DIFS' Fraud Investigation Unit and her department's investigators and prosecutors.

Anita Fox added, “After a lengthy, comprehensive investigation, we are pleased this case is moving forward in court. We appreciate our partnership with the Attorney General to investigate insurance fraud and hold those responsible accountable for their actions.” She emphasized DIFS' commitment to protecting residents from exploitation following car crashes.

The allegations suggest that Michael Angelo from New Jersey ran a lawyer hotline starting in 2013. Callers were allegedly directed into an insurance fraud scheme involving medical enterprises controlled by Angelo or his associates. These businesses purportedly billed no-fault auto insurance carriers or the Michigan Assigned Claims Plan for uninsured patients.

The defendants face multiple charges:

- Michael Angelo: Conducting a Criminal Enterprise, False Pretenses, Conspiracy to Commit False Pretenses, Delivery/Manufacture Controlled Substances, Insurance Fraud.

- Chitra Sinha: Conducting a Criminal Enterprise, False Pretenses, Insurance Fraud.

- Robert Presley: Conducting a Criminal Enterprise, Delivery/Manufacture Controlled Substances, Insurance Fraud.

- Mohammed Ali Abraham: Conducting a Criminal Enterprise, False Pretenses, Insurance Fraud.

- Thomas Quartz: Conducting a Criminal Enterprise, Conspiracy to Commit False Pretenses, Insurance Fraud.

- Hassan Fayad: Conducting a Criminal Enterprise, Conspiracy to Commit False Pretenses, Insurance Fraud.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted parts of the investigation before handing evidence over to state authorities. Further work was carried out by the Michigan Department of Attorney General and DIFS' Fraud Investigation Unit.

DIFS investigates fraudulent activities related to insurance and financial markets alongside law enforcement agencies. Suspected cases can be reported anonymously via phone or online through their website.

It is important to note that all criminal charges are merely allegations at this stage; defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.