A Tampa woman has been indicted on charges related to an automobile insurance wire fraud scheme, according to an announcement from United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe. Katrenia Lynette Harris, 54, faces five counts of wire fraud. Each count carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.
The indictment alleges that Harris falsely presented herself as an authorized insurance agent for a major automobile insurance company. She is accused of impersonating customers to obtain insurance policy documents and then collecting payments from victims through various methods, primarily using Cash App, a mobile payment service.
Instead of forwarding the collected payments to the insurance company, Harris allegedly kept the money and sent fraudulent policy documents to her clients. As a result, the policies were canceled due to non-payment, leaving multiple victims unknowingly without valid automobile insurance while operating vehicles in Florida and elsewhere.
Law enforcement has identified several victims who will be notified directly about their rights under the Crime Victims’ Rights Act. Those who believe they may be affected but have not received notification are encouraged to visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl/katrenia_harris for more information on how to contact authorities.
"An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty."
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Florida Department of Financial Services – Bureau of Insurance Fraud investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Adam J. Duso will prosecute it.
The indictment also seeks forfeiture of at least $49,772.40, which represents proceeds allegedly gained from the scheme.
