Nessel, DIFS announce charges in insurance scheme

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, together with Director Anita G. Fox of the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS), on Wednesday announced charges against Christine Michelle Presock, 42, of Marcellus, Michigan.   

“Our partnership with DIFS continues to yield results for the people of Michigan as we work together to find and prosecute those who would exploit the system for their own gain,” said Nessel.

Presock was arraigned in the 3rd District Court in St. Joseph County on six counts of Insurance-Fraudulent Acts.  Each charge is a felony punishable by up to four years in prison and/or a $50,000 fine, or both. 

Presock has been released on a $25,000 personal recognizance bond.

It is alleged that Presock submitted six accident claims on behalf of herself and her family to Trustmark Insurance Company between June 2018 and August 2019 for injuries purportedly suffered by herself, her husband, and her two children.  None of these injuries occurred as Presock reported, and Presock allegedly received over $16,000 in insurance benefits to which she was not entitled.  

Trustmark Insurance Company initiated an investigation into the claims before referring the case to the DIFS Fraud Investigation Unit for additional investigation in April and June 2019. 

“Insurance fraud is not a victimless crime. All of us pay in the form of increased premiums and costs. The DIFS Fraud Investigation Unit and the Attorney General’s office are aggressively investigating and prosecuting those who commit insurance fraud,” said Fox. “Michiganders who suspect insurance fraud can report it online or by calling 877-999-6442.”

The DIFS Fraud Investigation Unit investigates criminal and fraudulent activity related to the insurance and financial markets and works with the Attorney General and law enforcement to prosecute these crimes. Suspected insurance fraud can be reported to DIFS safely, easily and, in most cases, anonymously by calling 877-999-6442 or online by visiting the department’s website at www.michigan.gov/difs. 

A Probable Cause Conference is scheduled for Tuesday, April 20 before Judge Robert K. Pattison and the Preliminary Examination is scheduled for Tuesday, April 27 before Judge Jeffrey C. Middleton.