Posted on: Tuesday, August 10, 2004

Man gets probation in $779 insurance fraud case

Advertiser Staff

A $779 insurance claim has resulted in the state's first jury conviction for auto insurance fraud.

Hiram Lee Whitaker III, 30, a former auto body technician, has been placed on probation and ordered to perform 100 hours of community service. He was convicted of insurance fraud and attempted second-degree theft.

Whitaker said his 1991 Toyota had been vandalized and he claimed $779, but the state's investigation found that the damage wasn't consistent with the report.

Honolulu District Judge Hilary Gangnes last month also ordered Whitaker to pay $100 to the crime victims' compensation fund and $150 for a probation service fee. Attempts to reach Whitaker and his attorney were unsuccessful.

Others prosecuted on the charges have pleaded guilty or no contest, said Colleen Chun, of the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs. She said her office has been filing criminal charges in about four or five car insurance fraud cases a month.

To report insurance fraud on O'ahu, call 587-7416.