Independence man charged with insurance fraud
An Independence Township man was arraigned Monday before District Judge Ethan Ward on insurance fraud charges filed against him by an agent with the insurance fraud section of the state attorney general’s office.
Randall Kidwell Jr., 45, of 2287 Avella Road, is charged with insurance fraud and attempted theft by deception.
The attorney general’s office started the investigation after being contacted by Nationwide Insurance’s special investigations unit.
According to investigators, Kidwell hit a deer with his vehicle last July 10, causing front-end damage, but he did not have comprehensive insurance coverage. He added that coverage July 11, according to court documents.
Kidwell then reportedly claimed to have hit another deer July 16, damaging the front of his vehicle. Investigators said they determined the damage was from the July 10 collision. The attempted theft amount was $1,781.81, according to the charges.
Kidwell was released on $5,000 unsecured bond.
He is scheduled for a Feb. 26 preliminary hearing before District Judge Ethan Ward.