John R. Hagerty 609-984-1936

TRENTON - Division of Criminal Justice Director Vaughn L. McKoy announced that a Warren County man has pleaded guilty to falsely reporting the theft of his Land Rover and attempting to collect more than $27,000 in insurance money as part of the “give up” scam.

According to Insurance Fraud Prosecutor Greta Gooden-Brown, Roberto C. Ferreira, 30, High Oaks Drive, Warren, Warren County, pleaded guilty before Essex County Superior Court Judge Donald J. Volkert to a criminal Accusation which charged third degree insurance fraud. When sentenced on July 6, Ferreira faces up to five years in state prison and a fine of up to $15,000. In addition, Ferreira faces civil insurance fraud fines pursuant to the civil Insurance Fraud Prevention Act.

At the May 17 guilty plea hearing, Ferreira admitted that on Sept. 8, 2004, to falsely reporting his 2000 Land Rover stolen to the Newark Police Department. Ferreira reported the vehicle stolen after leaving World’s Gym, Oliver Street and Route 21 in Newark. Ferreira subsequently submitted a phony stolen automobile insurance claim worth more than $27,000 to the Preserver Group Insurance Company. As part of the fraudulent insurance claim, Ferreira claimed that the Land Rover contained golf clubs valued at $2,300. An investigation by the Division of Criminal Justice - Office of Insurance Fraud Prosecutor determined Ferreira’s Land Rover had been impounded by the New York Sanitation Department on July 12, 2004.

State Investigator Joseph Luccarelli, Civil Investigator John P. Farley, and Deputy Attorney General Valerie A. Noto were assigned to the investigation. DAG Noto represented the Division of Criminal Justice - Office of Insurance Fraud Prosecutor at the guilty plea hearing. The case was referred to the Division of Criminal Justice - Office of Insurance Fraud Prosecutor by The Preserver Group Insurance Company.

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