Texas Rancher’s Death Linked to Insurance Fraud

The death of a Limestone County, TX rancher may be the result of an alleged insurance fraud scheme. 

According to a local news station, KBTX, Bryon County resident, Joe Alley was arrested Tuesday for what police believe to be an insurance fraud scheme involving arson.

“Authorities say in July 2008, Alley reported that his Honda Pilot was stolen from Post Oak Mall in College Station. That same day, the vehicle was found burning in a pasture in Limestone County.”

“The fire spread to a hayfield, prompting nearby property owner Charles Day, 84, to climb on his tractor and begin plowing a fire break to save his home. According to police reports, Day died while fighting the fire. The report does not state a cause of death.”

When Alley’s details of what happened the day his car was stolen began to change, authorities began to question the authenticity of his claim.  Upon further investigation, authorities also discovered that Alley had a history of financial problems including bankruptcy, missed payments and several attempts to trade in his vehicle.  Alley was arrested on Tuesday and then was released on $4,000 bail.