The Attorney General’s Office in New Jersey have announced recently that a state-licensed public adjuster have pleaded guilty for defrauding clients and insurance companies.

The said office said that on August 13, Sheena Clarke of Bergen County, New Jersey, have pleaded guilty to third-degree insurance fraud. Accordingly, Clarke has been scheduled for sentencing on September 28.

Due to her admission of guilt, the state will recommend that the public adjuster be sentenced to probation with condition of paying an amount of $42,519 in restitution. Clarke will also be ordered to give up her license as a public adjuster. In addition to, Clarke had also agreed to pay the Department of Banking and Insurance the amount of $5,125 as civil penalty.

The said public adjuster have admitted that between the period of July 31, 2005 to August 13, 2010, she falsely submitted property damage claims to four different insurance companies saying that damages were sustained and that repairs were completed for properties located in Newark, Paterson, East Orange, and Irvington – all in New Jersey – when in fact, no repairs were actually completed.

These claims were submitted to the Germantown Insurance Company, Philadelphia Contributorship Insurance Company, Liberty Mutual Insurance Company, and the Western World Insurance Company.

Due to the said fraudulent claims, Clarke was able to obtain the amount of $42,519 from the said insurance companies.