Release Date: July 29, 2009

Contact:

John Vanarelli, Senior Deputy District Attorney

(805) 662-1726

District Attorney Gregory D. Totten announced today that Rodolfo Donjuan (DOB 1/17/1984) of Camarillo pleaded guilty to one count of felony auto insurance fraud. This case was investigated by the California Department of Insurance Fraud Division.

Donjuan contacted the Ventura County Sheriff's Department on July 18, 2008, and reported his 2000 Chevrolet Silverado had been stolen from a friend's house in Camarillo . The Silverado was subsequently located abandoned and wrecked a short distance away. Donjuan also filed a claim with his insurance carrier, Infinity Insurance.

During the next two months, Donjuan gave Infinity Insurance conflicting statements about the theft of his vehicle. His insurance claim was transferred to Infinity's Special Investigations Unit. On September 24, 2008, Donjuan was deposed under oath by an Infinity Insurance attorney. During the deposition, Donjuan was confronted with his inconsistent statements and admitted that he had lied. Donjuan stated he had been drinking beer and was driving when he crashed his vehicle. Donjuan said he ran away from the scene because he was afraid. Donjuan is currently in custody at the Ventura County jail. His bail is set at $20,000. Donjuan will be sentenced on August 25, 2009, and faces a maximum penalty of five years in state prison and a fine of up to $50,000.

Auto insurance fraud is not a victimless crime. It affects every law abiding insured driver in California . Automobile insurance fraud costs the United States insurance industry $2 billion annually and each consumer about $200 to $300 annually for each vehicle insured in California . The District Attorney's Office is committed to vigorous prosecution of all those who choose to victimize the public in this manner.