DA: Elmont Man Lied to Insurance About Stolen Car

An Elmont man faces insurance fraud charges after setting his car on fire and reporting it stolen, according to the Nassau County District Attorney’s office.

Peter Zorlenzan, 33, was arraigned Wednesday on charges of third-degree insurance fraud, first-degree falsifying business record, third-degree perjury, and third-degree falsely reporting an incident, the DA said.

Zorlenzan faces up to seven years in prison if convicted, the DA said.

On July 16, 2013, Zorlenzan filed an insurance claim with Progressive Insurance Company and said his 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe had been stolen, the DA said. Zorlenzan claimed he had lent the car to a friend the night before and that it had been returned at 1 a.m., officials said. However, the car was reportedly stolen by 7 a.m. that morning, the DA said.

In reality, officials said Zorlenzan’s car was found on fire in the Bronx by New York Fire Department at 9:48 p.m. on July 15. Zorlenzan claimed his car had been returned at 1 a.m., hours after it had already been set on fire, the DA said.

Zorlenzan maintained his car had been in his driveway and was charged Wednesday with fraud, officials said.

“Even though the victim in this case is an automobile insurance company, this is far from being a victimless crime,” DA Kathleen Rice said. “Scams like this one contribute to increases in automobile insurance rates for everyone, and that’s why my office will continue to pursue these cases to protect hardworking Long Island drivers.”

Zorlenzan was released on his own recognizance and is due back in court Dec. 10.

Photo: Peter Zorlenzan|Credit: NCDA