4 men accused of staging car crash to submit false insurance claims

Suspects submit false claims for therapy to receive more than $72,000

From left: Rafael Valdes-Tellez and Yosvanis Saavedra.

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. – Four men are facing charges after they staged a car crash last year in southwest Miami-Dade County so they could file fraudulent insurance claims, authorities said.

According to an arrest report, the suspects paid several participants $1,000 to take part in a crash that was staged Feb. 24, 2016, at a four-way stop at Southwest 162nd Avenue and 232nd Street.

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Police said one vehicle crashed into the back of the other.

Jose Sanchez, 57, Rafael Valdes-Tellez, 26, and Yosvanis Saavedra, 34, went to the D&S Chiro Rehab Center the next day with one of the other participants, to whom they paid an additional $700 after they left the clinic, the report said.

Police said the suspects filed more than $72,000 in false insurance claims for therapy after the crash.

The fourth suspect was identified as Yurisdel Irigoyen, 29.

The suspects face charges of insurance fraud, organized scheme to defraud, filing false insurance claims and third-degree grand theft.


About the Author:

Amanda Batchelor is the Digital Executive Producer for Local10.com.