BOISE―An Athol man has been sentenced to probation for insurance fraud after claiming vandals damaged an SUV that was already damaged when he bought it, the Idaho Department of Insurance said in a news release Monday.
Christopher Spellman was sentenced Sept. 3 in Kootenai County to three years in prison, suspended in favor of three years of probation. He was also ordered to complete 80 hours of community service and pay fines and restitution.
Spellman pleaded guilty July 9 to one count of insurance fraud.
Investigators with the department’s Fraud Unit found that Spellman bought a 2001 GMC Yukon that was already damaged and later added it to his Viking Insurance policy with collision and comprehensive coverage.
Shortly afterward, he filed a claim saying the Yukon had been vandalized, causing $4,150 in damage, and that the vehicle had no prior damage.
Investigators determined the damage existed before Spellman bought the coverage. Photographs from the previous owner showed the SUV already had missing taillights, a damaged dashboard and other damage when Spellman bought it.
“Insurance fraud is a crime with real consequences,” Idaho Department of Insurance Director Dean L. Cameron said. “The Department is committed to holding individuals accountable when they attempt to obtain insurance benefits through false...
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