Des Moines – Scott Lennington, age 49, of Morton, IL, was sentenced on February 11, 2026, in Polk County, Iowa after being found guilty of nine counts of Forgery (Class D Felony) on November 25, 2025.
According to the criminal complaints filed by the Iowa Insurance Division’s Fraud Bureau, Lennington entered into agreements with the victims to act as their public insurance adjuster for claims related to the property damage at their residences. As a part of this agreement, Lennington represented the victims in submitted insurance claims for coverage of said damages.
During the course of the investigation, it was determined that when the insurance company issued a claim payment that was made payable jointly to the insured and Lennington, Lennington unlawfully endorsed the checks without the knowledge or consent of the insured parties. There was never any agreement or right for Lennington to sign on behalf of the insured. Lennington then diverted the funds into his bank account he solely controlled.
Based on the separate and serious nature of the offenses, Lennington was sentenced to a period of imprisonment not to exceed five years for each of the nine counts. His sentence is not to exceed 25 years. The judge granted Lennington a suspended sentence and he will be placed on probation for a period of three years.
As part of his sentencing conditions, Lennington was ordered to pay a fine of $1,025 for each of the nine forgery counts, for a total of $9,225, alongside a 15% crime services surcharge. Lennington must also fulfill the following terms:
- Complete 100 hours of community service within 365 days.
- Obtain and maintain full-time employment, pursue full-time post-secondary study, or a combination of both.
- Submit a DNA sample.
- Participate in a Victim Offender Dialogue or Community Representative Dialogue, should the victim choose to participate.
Victim pecuniary damages are to be determined at a later date, and Lennington will not be discharged from probation until all victim restitution is paid in full.
Iowans with information about insurance fraud are encouraged to contact the Iowa Insurance Division’s Fraud Bureau at 515-654-6556.