Arson, Insurance Fraud Charges for Yonkers Man, 28

Yonkers resident Raymond Sosa, 28, is alleged to have purposely set his car on fire to collect insurance money, according to state police from North Salem who arrested him Monday.

The incident occurred in late October of this year. Following a “lengthy investigation,” police said they discovered that Sosa totaled the 2008 Toyota Camry by setting it on fire using gasoline he poured over the interior. He then reported car stolen and filed a claim with his insurance company.

Details of how police came to charge Sosa were not disclosed. He faces felony charges of third degree arson and third degree insurance fraud.

Below is the state police release about the arrest:

On December 8, 2014, the New York State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation from Somers arrested Raymond Sosa, age 28, of Yonkers, New York, on the Class C felony charge of Arson 3rd Degree and the Class D felony charge of Insurance Fraud 3rd Degree.

The arrest is a result of an incident that was reported to police on October 26, 2014 at 3:40 a.m. Following a lengthy investigation, it was discovered that the Sosa intentionally set his 2008 Toyota Camry on fire by pouring gasoline in the interior of the vehicle and ignited it. As a result of the fire, the vehicle was completely destroyed and shortly after committing the arson, Sosa reported the vehicle stolen. Sosa filed a report with his insurance company and attempted to collect funds for the theft and destruction of the vehicle.

Sosa was arraigned before the Town of North Salem Court and released on his own recognizance. He is scheduled to reappear before North Salem Court on December 22, 2014.

Photo: Raymond Sosa. Photo credit: NYS Police