LAPD Rookies Charged with Fraud

According to a press release from the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office, rookie cop, Anthony Robert Villanueva, 24, is being charged with insurance fraud for allegedly conspiring with another officer, Ricardo Rebolleto, 27 to have his car taken and set ablaze.

“Prosecutors allege that in April 2010, Villanueva arranged for his 2001 Lexus sedan to be taken to the desert and set on fire, resulting in a total loss. Villanueva then purportedly filed a stolen vehicle report with the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) and submitted a claim for damages to his automobile insurance company.”

Apparently, co-defendant Rebolleto provided a false statement to police about Villanueva’s whereabouts when his vehicle was reportedly stolen.  Villanueva was arrested upon his reporting to work and is charged with one count each of insurance fraud, arson of one’s own property and false report of a criminal offense.  Rebolleto is charged with one count of insurance fraud.

Both the defendants had only been with the LAPD since September 2009.  If convicted, Villanueva faces a maximum of six years, two months behind bars and a fine of up to $50,000. Rebolledo faces a maximum of five years in state prison.  All parties are innocent until proven guilty.

Read the press release here.