Howell Resident Faces Insurance Fraud Charges

A Howell resident faces several charges including third-degree insurance fraud after allegedly submitting forged receipts for insurance claims.

Dennis Abato, 59, is charged with attempting to collect more than $24,000 from the claims according to a news release from Attorney General Paula T. Dow and acting Insurance Fraud Prosecutor Ronald Chillemi. Abato also faces charges of third-degree attempted theft by deception and fourth-degree falsifying records. 

The charges stem from an investigation of events stretching from Dec. 30, 2008, until March 18, 2009. During that time Abato submitted a fraudulent bill to New Jersey Manufacturers Insurance company for repairs of a 2004 Ford L9000 roll back truck, the news release said. The bill, which totaled $24,138, was allegedly made to look like it was submitted by John's Heavy Duty Truck & Repair.

The investigation was handled by Detectives Wendy Berg and Terrence Buie as well as Deputy Attorney General Joan M. Burke. Burke presented the case to a Monmouth County grand jury.

In the news release Chillemi "thanked the New Jersey Manufacturer's Insurance Company for referring the matter to the Office of the Insurance Fraud Prosecutor and for its assistance in the investigation."