Julian couple faces insurance fraud charges

A Julian couple is facing felony charges alleging insurance fraud after a car crash.

According to the criminal complaint filed by the state Attorney General’s Office, the crash was referred to agents by Progressive Insurance. Jason, 30, and Danielle Desch, 28, had reportedly added comprehensive coverage to their policy and filed a claim after the crash had occurred.

The investigation by Progressive had allegedly revealed that Jason Desch had struck a deer with his 1999 Pontiac Grand Am at about 8:30 p.m. Nov. 1 near Philipsburg less than a week after purchasing the car, according to the affidavit. Desch reportedly only had liability insurance on the car at the time.

At about 11:35 p.m. that evening, Danielle Desch added comprehensive insurance to the vehicle through their policy, the affidavit said. They then reportedly provided information to Progressive that the crash had occurred the morning of Nov. 2.

When interviewed by an agent, both Jason and Danielle Desch allegedly admitted to Jason striking the deer the evening of Nov. 1 as Danielle followed him home, according to the affidavit. They reportedly said they added the coverage in the hopes Progressive would cover the damages.

Progressive reported the total amount of damages was about $1,501. The claim was denied.

Both were arraigned Thursday before District Judge Allen Sinclair, according to court documents, and both charged with felony counts of filing a false insurance claim and insurance fraud, as well as a misdemeanor charge of theft by deception. Unsecured bail was set at $5,000 each.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for July 19.

This story was originally published June 29, 2017 at 4:34 PM with the headline "Julian couple faces insurance fraud charges."