N.Y. Charges Trio with Fraud Following SUV Burn

An Ulster County, New York woman, who allegedly arranged to have her SUV set ablaze in an apple orchard while she visited Atlantic City casinos, and two other people have been arrested on charges that they conspired to destroy the vehicle so the woman could collect on insurance.

The woman, Rebecca Williams, 25, of Lake Katrine, is charged with insurance fraud, conspiracy and the false report of an incident. Roy Nugent, 27, of Kingston, is charged with arson and two counts of conspiracy, and Jeremy Cullen, 25, of Gardiner, is charged with conspiracy.

According to the Frauds Bureau of the New York State Insurance Department, Williams is accused of giving Nugent $500 to stage the theft of her 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer and then destroy it while she visited Atlantic City.

Authorities said Williams parked the SUV with its keys inside at the Kings Mall in the Town of Ulster. Nugent and Cullen then allegedly drove the vehicle to a rural area in southern Ulster County where it was set afire. Later, Williams reported the SUV stolen and filed a claim with Allstate Insurance Company. She was never paid for the claim.

Williams was arraigned before Town of Ulster Justice Marsha Solomon Weiss on July 15 following her arrest by the Frauds Bureau, assisted by the Town of Ulster Police Department. She faces up to seven years in prison if convicted. Nugent faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted and the charge against Cullen could result in four years in prison if he is proved guilty.

All three await further court action. Williams was released on her own recognizance, while Nugent is currently lodged in Ulster County Jail on unrelated charges. Cullen is free on $2,500 bond.