Gas Station Manager Charged in Insurance Fraud Scheme

PITTSBURGH, PA—A resident of North Huntingdon, Pennsylvania has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of mail fraud, witness tampering, and false statements to the government, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The six-count indictment, returned on April 17, 2012, and unsealed this week, named Danny A. Patel, 45.

According to the indictment, Patel managed a BP gas station in McKeesport, Pennsylvania. Patel submitted false insurance claims to Harleysville Insurance Company arising from a Dec. 25, 2011 accident at the BP. The indictment also alleges that Patel lied to FBI agents and obstructed justice by asking witnesses to lie to FBI agents.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 85 years in prison, a fine of $1,250,000.00, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Robert S. Cessar is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.