Youngstown’s Latasha Curtis, 33, is in hot water after being indicted on three counts of insurance-fraud arson. The charges stem from an alleged plot to torch a rental property at 75 Hilton Avenue and collect insurance proceeds.
Curtis stands accused of conspiracy, use of fire during the commission of a felony, and maliciously damaging real property used in interstate commerce. According to the indictment, she conspired with others to commit the arson and file fraudulent claims against State Farm Insurance Corporation.
The property was destroyed in a blaze on October 19, 2013, which investigators say was deliberately set by Curtis and her co-conspirators. The scheme reportedly netted State Farm $67,916.10 after the insurance claim was processed.
Should Curtis be convicted, her sentence will be decided by the court based on federal sentencing guidelines, considering factors such as her prior record and role in the crime. Assistant U.S. Attorney James V. Moroney is prosecuting the case.
The investigation into this fire and fraud scheme was led by the Youngstown Resident Agency of the FBI. The United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, Steven M. Dettelbach, emphasized that an indictment is merely a charge and does not prove guilt. Curtis is entitled to a fair trial where the government must prove her guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the lengths some will go to for financial gain, even if it means setting fire to property and attempting to dupe an insurance company.
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Key Facts
- State: Ohio
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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