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Surveillance video may override stolen-car claim

Posted On: May. 8, 2019 1:45 PM CST

stolen car surveillance video

A Florida man is facing fraud charges after attempting to soup up his standard of living by filing a false stolen-car insurance claim, according to CBS 12 News in West Palm Beach, Florida.

Authorities arrested Jonathan Ryan on charges of insurance fraud and perjury when they discovered surveillance footage of the alleged theft, according to Tuesday’s news report.

The investigation began in December 2018 when Mr. Ryan reported his car stolen from an industrial business park. Ryan claimed he just put in $18,000 worth of upgrades on the car. According to the sheriff's office, Geico Insurance Co. estimated the car to be worth $20,400.52 with estimated repairs at $22,336.98. The car was considered a total loss with a settlement of $20,400.52, according to the news report.

Investigators reviewed surveillance video from a nearby business and saw a Honda pulling up to the Mustang on the night of the reported theft. The video shows a man getting out of the Honda, hopping into the Mustang and following the Honda out of the lot.

According to the report, days later police found the Mustang partially submerged in a canal not far from where Ryan reported his car stolen, according to the report.

A Geico investigator meanwhile told the sheriff's office he recognized Mr. Ryan in the surveillance video and, as a result, put the insurance investigation into inactive status.