N.Y. Woman Arrested in Burned Car Scheme

A Cheektowaga, New York woman was arrested recently for reportedly having her car burned after being told that it “would never be the same” because of an accident, the New York State Insurance Department reported. Michelle Hrichan, 39, was charged with insurance fraud and falsely reporting an incident. She was arrested by Hamburg police, assisted by Investigator David Hahn of the Department’s Frauds Bureau. Hrichan allegedly gave $100 to a friend to burn the car after he told her it “would never be the same” after an accident. She reported the car stolen in October 2006 to Hamburg police and State Farm Insurance. The car was later recovered on a Buffalo street where it had been burned. Hrichan was arraigned in Hamburg Town Court and released on her own recognizance pending a hearing. If convicted, Hrichan could face up to seven years in prison. Arson charges are also pending against her and two others.