N.J. Resident Pleads Guilty in Attempt to Obtain Money in Reporting Vehicle Stolen

New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice Director Vaughn McKoy announced that a Union County resident has pleaded guilty to attempting to steal more than $11,000 by falsely reporting the theft of a rental vehicle.

According to Insurance Fraud Prosecutor Greta Gooden-Brown, Sean D. Walker, 38, of Plainfield, Union County, pleaded guilty before Union County Superior Judge Joseph Donohue to a criminal Accusation that charged attempted theft by deception (3rd degree). When sentenced on Oct. 22, Walker faces up to five years in state prison and a fine of up to $15,000. Walker may also face civil insurance fraud fines pursuant to the civil Insurance Fraud Prevention Act.

At the Aug. 25 guilty plea hearing, Walker reportedly admitted that on Feb.3, 2002, he falsely reported to the Plainfield Police Department, Plainfield, Union County, that a 2002 Toyota Corolla rented from Enterprise Rent-a-Car had been stolen.

Walker subsequently submitted a vehicle theft claim to Liberty Mutual Insurance Company seeking $11,600 – the value of the vehicle.

An investigation by the Division of Criminal Justice – Office of Insurance Fraud Prosecutor determined that the car had not been stolen. Walker, in actuality, had lent the vehicle to a friend who had been involved in a hit and run accident. The Plainfield Police subsequently recovered the vehicle.