Delaware County Residents Accused of Insurance Fraud

Tools

Delaware County Residents Accused of Insurance Fraud

By WBNG News

Delaware County Residents Accused of Insurance Fraud

Two Delaware County residents whose home was destroyed in a March 2007 fire were arrested Monday on charges that they forged receipts in an unsuccessful attempt to obtain an additional $30,400 as part of their insurance settlement.

Michael A. Kerwin Jr., 32, and Cheryl A. Catuzza, 41, both of 25 High St., Walton, were arrested by Senior Investigator Chris Lehenbauer of the Frauds Bureau of the New York State Insurance Department, assisted by Senior Investigator Karl Vagts of the Delaware County Sheriff's Office.

Both Kerwin and Catuzza are charged with felony insurance fraud. They could be sentenced to up to seven years in prison if convicted.

According to Lehenbauer, Kerwin and Catuzza filed a claim with Broome Cooperative Insurance Company for contents damaged or destroyed in the fire and were paid $37,000. Investigators said the defendants also sought payment of $30,400 for items they supposedly purchased to replace additional property lost in the fire. Authorities allege these replacement items were never purchased.

Kerwin and Catuzza were released in their own recognizance following their arraignment. They are scheduled to re-appear in Village of Walton Court on Sept. 11.

The office of Delaware County District Attorney Richard Northrup is prosecuting the case

More Good Stuff

This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.

Storm Tracker Weather

Icon
Current Temp 59.0 °F
A Few Clouds
Wind : North at 6.9 MPH (6 KT)
Humidity : 69 %
Pressure : 1014.1 mb
More Weather

Storm Tracker Weather

More Featured Selections

Stock Quotes

MarketWatch

What's On Tonight

CBS Store.com

Viewer Poll

Will you be watching Big Brother on CBS this summer?

  • Yes
  • No