News: 2009 Press Release

Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner announced today that three Southern California fraud suspects were arraigned in San Diego County this week. San Diego residents Adam Duvanich, 25; his wife, Lindsey Duvanich, 24; and John Fuller, Jr., 37, were charged on May 5 with three felony insurance fraud and conspiracy. Joseph Malcuit, 26, of Lakeside, was also charged with felony insurance fraud and conspiracy.  Adam and Lindsay Duvanich and Malcuit were arraigned Tuesday.                                    

"Conspiring to illegally abandon or destroy a car will not result in a quick paycheck, but it will get you a first class ticket to jail," said Commissioner Poizner. "I will continue to reiterate this to anyone who is considering committing insurance fraud - if you break the law, we will find you and we will prosecute you." 

In the summer of 2008, Lindsey and Adam Duvanich allegedly decided to get rid of their 2004 Honda Accord in order to collect on the potential insurance payout.  In July 2008, John Fuller allegedly agreed to help Lindsey Duvanich abandon the Accord.  Fuller introduced Lindsey to Malcuit, who would allegedly help her abandon the vehicle.

Lindsey Duvanich gave her car key to Malcuit, who allegedly hid the vehicle. On July 8, 2008, Lindsey reported her 2004 Honda Accord stolen to the San Diego Police Department. She also filed a vehicle theft claim with her insurance company, providing a recorded statement regarding the circumstances surrounding the theft.

Lindsey and Adam Duvanich signed the Affidavit of Vehicle Theft, attesting to the circumstances surrounding the supposed theft. The affidavit was notarized and returned to the insurance company.

In October 2008, CDI was notified of a suspected fraudulent claim referral in regards to this case. The CDI San Diego Regional Office Auto Insurance Fraud Task Force opened an investigation into the suspected fraud. During the course of the investigation, Adam Duvanich admitted that he and his wife discussed getting rid of the vehicle in order to collect a payout from their insurance company. Fuller and Malcuit admitted to having involvement in the scheme. Lindsey Duvanich confessed to filing a false claim with her insurance company.

This case is being prosecuted by the San Diego District Attorney's Office.

Commissioner Poizner oversees sixteen CDI Enforcement Branch regional offices throughout the state.  Close to 1900 insurance fraud-related arrests have been made by the Department of Insurance's Enforcement Branch since Commissioner Poizner took office in 2007 - more arrests than have been made during any other two year period, under any previous insurance commissioner.