Adjuster Charged With Insurance Fraud Of Elderly Victims In PA, NJ

LOWER BUCKS COUNTY, PA — A Bucks County man swindled residents as an insurance adjuster, and authorities believe there are more victims.

Michael Joseph Breitenbach, 53, of Bensalem Township, owner of Patriot Public Adjusting, LLC, faces multiple charges for allegedly misappropriating over $82,000 in insurance claim funds intended for his clients, including elderly homeowners in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, the Bucks County District Attorney's Office said.

Breitenbach, who was operating his business out of a residence in Bensalem Township, faces numerous charges, including felony counts of insurance fraud, theft by deception, forgery, and deceptive business practices. He was arraigned on Thursday by Magisterial District Judge Joseph P. Falcone.

Following a comprehensive investigation by the Bucks County Detectives, authorities allege that between September 2023 and September 2024, Breitenbach acted as a public adjuster on behalf of residents in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, authorities said.

During this period, he allegedly received at least eight checks from major insurers, totaling approximately $82,000, but failed to distribute the necessary funds to his clients or to contractors.

In several instances, victims reported that their signatures were forged on insurance checks and that they never received “one red cent” of the payouts meant to repair storm and water damage to their properties, authorities said.

The investigation revealed a pattern of fraudulent and deceptive business practices.

Authorities revealed alleged fraud against at least four victims:

• A Bensalem Township woman was defrauded of nearly $14,000 in storm damage claims.
• An elderly victim was defrauded of over $33,000 following a leak at her home in Montgomery County.

• An elderly victim was defrauded of over $18,000 related to a property-damage claim on his property in Trenton, N.J.
• A Hamilton Township, N.J., woman was defrauded of over $17,000.

The Bucks County District Attorney’s Office believes there may be additional victims who have not yet come forward.

Anyone with information regarding Breitenbach or Patriot Public Adjusting, or who believes they were victimized by the business should contact the Bucks County Detectives at 215-348-6354 or submit a tip via the CRIMEWATCH app.