Connie L. Bigelow, Wire Fraud, Washington 2018

Seattle – In a shocking turn of events, 53-year-old Connie L. Bigelow, owner of CJN Miniatures & More, a dollhouse, miniatures, collectibles, and antiques shop in Edmonds, Washington, pleaded guilty to wire fraud related to the April 30, 2018, fire at her business.

According to court documents, Bigelow set fire to her business on April 30, 2018, in an attempt to collect insurance money. The store was struggling to make enough money to pay the rent, and Bigelow was behind on rental payments and payments to consigners. The fire occurred underneath three Thomas Kinkade paintings worth thousands of dollars.

In May 2018, Bigelow initiated a claim to State Farm Fire and Casualty Company for the losses arising from the fire. As part of the wire fraud scheme, Bigelow communicated with the insurance agent via email on May 3, 2018. She also made false statements to law enforcement and representatives of State Farm.

Bigelow carried an insurance policy with State Farm that covered up to $100,000 in loss of business personal property, as well as loss of income. However, the policy did not cover loss arising from arson. The restitution is currently over $195,000, but may grow as further losses are calculated in advance of sentencing.

Bigelow is scheduled for sentencing by U.S. District Judge Robert S. Lasnik on December 17, 2021, at 10am. Wire fraud is punishable by up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Judge Lasnik will determine the appropriate sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF), along with the Snohomish County Fire Marshals’ Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Amy Jaquette.

Bigelow’s plea agreement requires her to make full restitution. This is a clear example of the lengths some individuals will go to in order to profit from their crimes. As a community, we must be vigilant in preventing these types of schemes and holding those responsible accountable.

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