Des Moines, Iowa - Deborah Specht, age 60, of Marshalltown, Iowa recently pled guilty to one count of Theft in the 3rd Degree (Aggravated Misdemeanor). Specht was originally charged with one count of Fraudulent Submissions (Class D Felony) and one count of Theft 1st Degree (Class C Felony) following an investigation by the Iowa Insurance Division’s Fraud Bureau.
“Insurance fraud is not a victimless crime. We all pay for insurance fraud in the form of higher insurance costs,” Iowa Insurance Commissioner Doug Ommen said. “I appreciate the hard work of our Fraud Bureau and all who participated in the prosecution of this case so Ms. Specht was held accountable for her actions.”
On July 19, 2018, Marshalltown, Iowa experienced severe weather. The investigation found that after the severe weather event Specht fabricated damages to her property and submitted false information regarding the cause of the damage in support of an insurance claim. As a result, Specht received insurance benefits to which she was not entitled.
On February 9, 2021, Specht received a deferred judgement after pleading guilty to Theft in the 3rd Degree. Specht was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $23,375.82 to her insurer. Specht also received a civil penalty of $625.00 which was suspended and was placed on probation for a period of one year.
Iowans with information about insurance fraud are encouraged to contact the Iowa Insurance Division’s Fraud Bureau at 515-654-6556.
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