Former Banning Police Officer Charged With Insurance Fraud
A former Banning police officer, his father and two friends are facing insurance fraud charges for filing claims on a pickup truck that was reported stolen, but which allegedly was actually hidden by the defendants.
Travis Earl Jones, 24, Jeffrey Earl Jones, 52, Ernest Leite, 44, and Steven Kyle Mestas, 31, were arrested April 30 in connection with the case, which is the culmination of an 18-month investigation by the California Department of Insurance.
“Auto insurance fraud is a horrible way to avoid financial troubles,” said state Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner. “It can result in felony charges, making what might be a tough situation only worse.”
Travis Jones is charged with six counts of insurance fraud and one count of falsifying documents. His father, Jeffrey, along with Leite and Mestas, are each charged with two counts of insurance fraud, according to court documents.
According to investigators, on Sept. 8, 2008, Travis Jones, then a Banning police officer, reported that his 2005 Dodge Ram pickup had been stolen while he was sleeping over at a friend’s house in Riverside.
On Sept. 10, Jones filed a loss claim with Mercury Insurance, which initiated an investigation and discovered that on the afternoon of Sept. 7, the defendant’s pickup had been driven into Mexico, authorities said.
Jones withdrew his claim and admitted his pickup had not been stolen, according to the Department of Insurance.
“Further investigation revealed that Travis Jones wanted to buy a new Dodge Charger, but was financially obligated for the … pickup truck,” a DOI statement said. “Travis knew the insurance would relieve him of his financial obligation, allowing the purchase of the new vehicle.”
Jones allegedly conspired with his father, Jeffrey, his neighbor, Leite, and childhood friend, Mestas, to perpetrate the fraud, according to investigators.
Under questioning, Mestas revealed all the details, investigators said.
The claim would have cost Mercury $15,000.
The defendants are free on bail. Jones has since been terminated from the Banning Police Department.
