FLINT, MI – A Flint man was sentenced to five years probation Tuesday for his role in a scam that bilked thousands of dollars out of insurance companies to pay for injuries that never happened.
Jamar J. Williams, 34, pleaded guilty in United States District Court to aiding and abetting mail fraud after authorities say he was paid to cash fraudulent insurance checks at an area party store.
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He was also sentenced to serve more than four months in a community center.
Williams’ involvement in the scam began nearly a decade ago when he was approached by two people asking him if he wanted to make money, court records show. The two individuals had Williams sign his name on a blank sheet of paper. Williams did not question what the signature would be used for.
An insurance policy was opened through AFLAC in Williams’ name in March 2008. A claim was filed on the policy in June 2008, stating that Williams was injured in May 2008 after lighter fluid exploded while he was barbecuing.
The claim, which included fictitious doctor reports, employment history and hospital bills, said that Williams received severe burns that led to a $49,033 hospital bill.
The insurance company issued a $23,199 check in Williams’ name. The check was cashed at Mikes Grocery on Pierson Road in Flint, court records show.
In April 2009, the Federal Bureau of Investigation interviewed Williams and showed him copies of five AFLAC checks that were made out in his name. Williams said the checks were given to him by three other individuals and they already contained his signature when they were given to him.
Williams said he was driven to Mike’s Grocery, which photographs and records each person cashing a check, by the individuals to cash the checks. He was given more than $300 for cashing the June 2008 check, according to court documents.
Patrick Cleary, Williams’ attorney, argued that his client was unaware of the scheme until he was approached to cash a check and the promise of money led him to become involved.
“When he was approached and asked to cash the first check, he was, like so many, in a dire financial situation,” Cleary argued in court documents.
Nine others were charged for their alleged role in the scam. However, the charges were dismissed against eight of them.
The only other person sentenced in the scam was Tony McMullen.
McMillen was sentenced to three years probation after pleading guilty to aiding and abetting mail fraud in January.
