For Release: July 27, 2015
Media Calls Only: 916-492-3566
Cal Fire Captain arrested, along with insurance agent brother, for insurance fraud
Neal Moriarty, 38, a Cal Fire Captain, and Ross Moriarty, 42, a licensed insurance agent, were arrested last week on multiple felony counts of insurance fraud. The Moriarty brothers allegedly submitted a fraudulent claim and provided false statements to an insurer in order to collect money following an automobile accident.
"Insurance fraud is an expensive drain on the state's economy, totaling billions of dollars annually," said Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones. "The cost of these scams is passed along to consumers through higher rates and premiums."
An investigation by the California Department of Insurance revealed that off-duty Cal Fire Captain Neal Moriarty hit a deer while driving on the 101 freeway causing significant damage to his vehicle. At the time of the accident, he was uninjured and uninsured. While still at the accident site, Neal called his brother who used his position as a licensed insurance agent to reinstate Neal's automobile insurance.
The brothers conspired to falsify the timeline of the accident and proceeded to report a fraudulent claim to the insurer in the amount of $13,709 to repair the damaged vehicle. Insurance investigators asked for phone records due to suspicion surrounding the validity of the claim. Neal failed to provide the records and just one month later, withdrew his claim.
Neal and Ross Moriarty were booked into the Santa Cruz and San Luis Obispo County Jails, respectively. Bail for each is $120,000. Their arraignment will take place on Monday, August 10 at 8:30 a.m. at the San Luis Obispo Superior Court. This case is being prosecuted by the San Luis Obispo District Attorney's office.