N.Y. Couple Sentenced for Filing Bogus $20K Claim

A Schoharie County, New York couple was sentenced to a drug rehabilitation program on Wednesday for filing a bogus $20,000 insurance claim that unraveled because police had already discovered the car they reported stolen next to footprints leading to the couple’s home.

David B. Clark, 36, and his wife, Ann M. Clark, 35, of Conesville, were sentenced by Schoharie County Court Judge George Bartlett III. The judge said that if the Clarks violated the drug rehabilitation program, he would impose a maximum seven-year prison sentence against David Clark and one-year prison sentence against Ann Clark.

The Clarks earlier pleaded guilty to felony insurance fraud for attempting to cash in on an insurance claim they filed after reporting their car had been stolen last January. They reportedly told police that someone had broken into their home, taken their car keys and made off with the vehicle.

Police had actually discovered the car the day before the Clarks reported it stolen. Responding to a 911 call, police found the car unattended in a field where it had crashed into a tree. Police also found a six-pack of beer placed in the snow next to the car and footprints leading to the couple’s home. Police said there was no evidence of forced entry into the home.

David Clark reportedly later admitted he drove the car into the tree and left the scene of the accident.