CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA - Eight individuals have been charged with federal mail fraud as a result of an investigation in three North Central West Virginia counties, according to Acting United States Attorney Betsy Steinfeld Jividen.
Indictments were handed down today alleging that a group of individuals from West Virginia conspired with one another to conduct mail fraud in order to file false insurance claims totaling approximately $249,000 for staged vehicular accidents in Harrison, Taylor and Marion Counties from January 2012 to August 2014.
The defendants are:
• Dallas Lewis, Clarksburg, 55, Clarksburg, WV
• Martin Stoneking, 25, Fairmont, WV
• Charles Bonner, 34, Morgantown, WV
• Bryce Martin, 26, Fairmont, WV
• Eric Warner, 34, Clarksburg, WV
• Chasity Costilow, 38, Clarksburg, WV
• Robin Stoneking, 56, Fairmont, WV
• Michael Sine, 34, Fairmont, WV
Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew R. Cogar is handling the cases on behalf of the government. The West Virginia Insurance Commission Office of Inspector General and the United States Postal Inspection Service are investigating.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
