RICHMOND, VA – A Henrico County woman learned her lesson the hard way when she claimed to be a teacher to defraud her insurance company. Theresa B. Roman, 52, of the 3200 block of Sweet Creek Road spent Veteran’s Day weekend in jail after being arrested and charged with attempted grand larceny, forgery and uttering.

In December 1999, Roman’s legs were burned by coffee purchased at a fast-food restaurant drive-thru in the Metro-Richmond area. She was treated for her injuries and submitted a legitimate claim to her insurance company, Travelers Insurance.

But her additional claim for lost wages had the insurance company asking questions. Roman claimed she lost more than $3,700 in wages because her injury prevented her from teaching at a Richmond City elementary school.

An investigation by Virginia State Police Insurance Fraud Division Special Agent L.R. Spears revealed that the timesheet and letter of authorization verifying her employment were both forged. Roman was not a teacher nor was she employed at the time of her injury.

Roman was arrested Friday evening at a local hotel and taken into custody without incident. If convicted on all counts, she could face up to 40 years in jail.

The Virginia State Police is committed to "Stamp Out" insurance fraud occurring in the Commonwealth. To report suspected fraud call toll-free 1-877-62FRAUD (1-877-623-7283).