California Men Nabbed in Fraud Scheme

California Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner announced the arrests of two Folsom men in connection with arson and insurance fraud.

Donald Walker, 21, turned himself in on May 15, and was booked into the Sacramento County Jail. Walker was charged with two felonies including insurance fraud and arson. Jeff Carter, 22, was arrested on May 16 at his Folsom residence, and booked into the Sacramento County Jail. Carter was charged with five felonies including insurance fraud, arson and perjury. Each of the men may face up to five years in prison and thousands of dollars in fines.

On April 22, 2007, Carter's 1995 Chevy truck was recovered burned in El Dorado Hills. Carter reportedly claimed that he had loaned his vehicle to Walker, who Carter claimed was an acquaintance he had met on April 21, 2007.

Later, during an under oath examination, Carter reportedly denied allowing Walker to borrow his truck. Carter reported his vehicle stolen on April 23, 2007, the day after the charred truck was recovered. He also reportedly filed a claim with his insurer after reporting his vehicle stolen.

The California Department of Insurance Fraud Division investigation revealed that Walker and Carter allegedly conspired to burn Carter's vehicle in order to collect $30,000 in insurance benefits.