It is often referred to as the "give-up" insurance fraud scheme, but our California Statewide Law Enforcement Association (CSLEA) members who are investigators with the California Department of Insurance (CDI) didn't fall for it.

Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones announced today that five Sacramento area suspects were arrested and each charged with a felony count of insurance  fraud.  The suspects range in age from 33 to 44. 

According to a CDI press release, investigators discovered Ames Adkins, 44, of Loomis, filed a claim with his insurance company and credit union stating his 2002 Cadillac Escalade was stolen  from his home in Sacramento.   But investigators uncovered a completely different story and allege that Adkins and two other men staged the theft.  

In addition, investigators allege Kevin Johnson, 37, of Sacramento purchased the vehicle from Adkins and when he became aware it was reported stolen, tried to cover it up by buying parts from salvaged vehicles and swapping those parts with parts on the Cadillac.  Johnson and another man then allegedly went to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and tried to register the Cadillac as a 2004 GMC Yukon.

The insurance company denied Adkins' claim, but had the fraud not been discovered, likely would have paid $26,000.

"This kind of fraud drives up our insurance premiums," said CSLEA President Alan Barcelona.  "CDI investigators are committed to exposing these cases of fraud, getting arrest warrants and locking up these deceitful people.  A whole lot of us appreciate their work and dedication."

Arrested were:

Loomis resident James Adkins, 44

Fair Oaks resident Justin Highsmith, 33

Sacramento resident James Peacock, 38

charged with one felony count of insurance fraud including providing false statements in support of an insurance claim.

Sacramento resident Kori Feinstein, 33

Sacramento resident Kevin Johnson, 37

charged with one felony count of insurance fraud including providing false statements in support of an insurance claim and one felony count of possession of stolen property and vehicle theft.