Des Moines, Iowa – Joshua David Blunt, age 39, of Colona, Illinois, has been charged with one count each of Insurance Fraud – Presenting False Information (Class D Felony), Theft in the 1st Degree (Class C Felony), Identity Theft Over $10,000 (Class C Felony), Forgery (Class D Felony) and Fraudulent Practice in the 4th Degree (Serious Misdemeanor).
The charges are a result of an investigation conducted by the Iowa Insurance Division’s Fraud Bureau which began in May of 2019. In criminal complaints filed by the Iowa Insurance Division’s Fraud Bureau, it is alleged Blunt used the unique provider identification number of two other chiropractors in order to submit fraudulent and fictitious patient treatment and billing data to an insurance company. Blunt is alleged to have done so in order to receive monetary reimbursements from an insurance company in excess of $20,000 for which he would not have otherwise been entitled. Additionally, it is alleged Blunt misrepresented the purchase price of a travel trailer to the Scott County Treasurer’s Office during the title and registration application process in order to avoid paying the required vehicle sales tax fee.
On May 20, 2021, Blunt was arrested in Bettendorf, Iowa, and was booked into the Scott County Jail. Blunt was later released from custody after posting a $20,000 bond. Trial will be set for a future date. No additional details will be provided at this time.
Note: A criminal charge is merely an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Photo Courtesy of the Scott County Sheriff’s Office.