According to Insurance Fraud Prosecutor Greta Gooden Brown, Michael Oteri, 36, of South Warwick Road, Somerdale, Camden County, was charged with forgery by uttering (4th degree). If convicted, Oteri faces up to 18 months in state prison and a criminal fine of up to $10,000. In addition, Oteri faces the possibility of the imposition of civil insurance fraud fines.

The Sept. 26 Camden County indictment alleges that in April, 2001, Oteri submitted a phony sales receipt to Allstate Insurance Company in order to support of a $4,000 homeowners burglary claim resulting from an Oct. 22, 2000 burglary of his grandfather’s residence, with whom Oteri resided. An investigation by the Division of Criminal Justice - Office of Insurance Fraud Prosecutor determined that Oteri reported several items stolen, including numerous fishing poles. The receipt was purportedly issued by Shoreway Marine, Inc., located in West Berlin, Camden County, but the investigation revealed that the receipt was not legitimate. Allstate Insurance denied the claim and referred the matter to the Office of Insurance Fraud Prosecutor for further review.

State Investigators William Robertson and Robert McGrath, and Deputy Attorney General Dennis Kwasnik were assigned to the investigation. DAG Kwasnik represented the Office of Insurance Fraud Prosecutor before the Camden County Grand Jury.

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