BEAUMONT, Texas – A 39-year-old Lufkin man has been unmasked as a cunning fraudster after pleading guilty to federal wire fraud charges in the Eastern District of Texas. Andy Lee House, 39, of Lufkin, faced the music today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Keith Giblin for his scheme that could land him behind bars for up to two decades.
In a bizarre twist, House’s claim of an accident-damaged Bugatti Veyron worth $2.2 million turned out to be a ruse when video evidence surfaced on YouTube showing the car being driven into the water by none other than the defendant himself. According to court records, House bought the Bugatti for a cool million and insured it for over twice that amount, but his claim of an accidental swerve into the Gulf Bay near La Marque was quickly debunked.
But the story takes a darker turn as it’s revealed that House intentionally drove the car into the bay, leaving it to be submerged by salt water. His excuse for the accident – reaching for his cell phone – fell flat when the incriminating video contradicted his tale. Despite this, he attempted to cash in on the insurance policy by filing a fraudulent claim.
House now faces up to 20 years in federal prison at his sentencing hearing, which has yet to be scheduled. The Department of Justice has praised the collaborative efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Lufkin Police Department, Texas Rangers, and other law enforcement agencies for their work on this case.
This shocking case serves as a stark reminder of the lengths some will go to in order to defraud insurance companies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher T. Tortorice is handling the prosecution, ensuring justice is served for the victims of House’s fraudulent scheme.
Related Federal Cases
- Texas Con Man Accused of $1M MRI Fraud · Kansas
- Montana Fraud & Sex Offender Crackdown · Texas
- Pierce Co. Hard Money Lender Emiel Kandi Facing Major Mortgage Fraud Charges · Washington
- Armando Hernandez Leal Arrested for $66M Investment Fraud · Texas
- Yantis TX Men Found Guilty of Wire/Mail Fraud · Oklahoma
Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Source ↗
🔒 Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
Browse More
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
US NewsUS NewsUS NewsUS News