Calif. Man Arrested for Auto Fraud

Samuel Tufino Machado, 22, also known as Salvador Castaneda, was arrested and booked into the Sacramento County Jail on two felony counts of insurance fraud with special allegations that the crimes were committed while he was out on bail. Authorities set Machado’s bail at $70,000. If convicted, he could face up to five years in prison and/or a maximum fine of $50,000.

Machado was allegedly involved in a motor vehicle accident with his 1996 Cadillac on Sept. 7, 2002. The vehicle was declared a total loss.

According to authorities, Machado reportedly claimed that the tow truck driver stole stereo equipment from the vehicle and submitted to the insurer a receipt from a stereo company for $6,249.50 worth of equipment. An inspection of the vehicle suggested there was no wiring to support the alleged stolen items and the owner of the company confirmed that he never sold or installed any equipment for Machado.