Investigators from CDI’s Criminal Investigations Branch’s Fraud Division arrested 33 year-old Jamel Hassan Nichols for insur-ance fraud.
The investigation began with two referrals from the California State Automobile Association (CSAA) Insurance Company, involving Gloria and Jamel Nichols, a married couple insured by CSAA with both homeowner’s and automobile policies.
During their divorce proceedings, Jamel filed a homeowner’s claim for losses incurred in a home burglary, while Gloria subsequently filed an automobile claim for vandalism done to her vehicle.
Jamel’s homeowner’s claim stemmed from a burglary reportedly occurring while he was at church. Several days after the burglary, Jamel contacted CSAA and initiated a claim for property allegedly stolen in the burglary. During the handling of the claim, he denied any knowledge of the suspect(s) identity, the whereabouts of the property, and presented a proof of loss itemizing the items taken.
The investigation further revealed that Gloria removed the reportedly stolen items from the home after a separation from Jamel. Furthermore, Jamel allegedly knew that Gloria had the items and even reported that to police. In fact, during the handling of the claim, Jamel and Gloria attended an informal “mediation” with their church pastor during which Jamel submitted a written list requesting Gloria return the property. Jamel listed many of the items reported as stolen to CSAA.
During the processing of Jamel’s claim, Gloria filed an unrelated vehicle vandalism claim against her automobile policy.
At the time of the occurrence, a witness claims to have observed Jamel vandalize the car by scratching it with a set of keys. Gloria filed a police report and initiated her insurance claim. During the processing of her claim, Jamel contacted CSAA twice, alleging that Gloria was committing insurance fraud and had vandalized the car herself. In doing so, Jamel attempted to have CSAA deny Gloria’s legitimate claim.
At the time of his arrest, Jamel allegedly admitted lying to CSAA about the burglary, however, denied any involvement in the vandalism of his estranged wife’s vehicle.
Jamel’s burglary claim was eventually denied by CSAA and Gloria’s vandalism claim was ultimately paid.
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