Woman Falsely Reported Stolen Vehicle, Charged With Insurance Fraud: Hamden Police

HAMDEN, CT — A New York woman is accused of insurance fraud after police say she reported that her vehicle was stolen despite allowing a family friend to use it. The suspect was recently arrested on a warrant following an extensive investigation, according to Capt. Ronald Smith.

In May of 2016, Hamden Police received a stolen motor vehicle complaint from Lea Lafond of Woodin Street. Lafond told police that her 2009 Acura was stolen from her driveway, according to Smith. (To sign up for Hamden breaking news alerts and more, click here.)

Smith said investigation revealed that Lafond allowed a family friend to use the vehicle in February of 2016. The vehicle was involved in a motor vehicle accident in New York and subsequently towed to a garage. Lafond made an insurance claim and was paid in excess of $14,000, according to Smith.

Detective Mark Consorte conducted an extensive investigation, which led to the application of an arrest warrant for Lafond.

Lafond turned herself in at Hamden Police Headquarters on June 15.

Lafond, 32, of Queens Village, New York, was charged with insurance fraud, second-degree larceny, second-degree false incident report and falsely reporting a stolen motor vehicle. Lafond was detained on a $25,000 court-ordered bond.

Pictured: Lea Lafond, 32, of New York / Hamden Police Department