November
2, 2004
Arrest
for insurance fraud shocks Virginia Woman
RICHMOND, Va. – One Virginia woman’s
shocking tale about a portable heater gave her a real
shock when she was found guilty of perjury and attempting
to defraud an insurance company. As a result, she will
have to spend four months in prison.
Rose M. Dismuke claimed that while shopping at a national
hardware store for a portable heater on Feb. 21, 2000,
she was shocked by the electrical current when she turned
on a heater. This supposedly occurred while the sales
person was demonstrating the unit. Dismuke then filed
suit against the store and the manufacturer of the heater
in the amount of $3.5 million.
In a sworn deposition, Dismuke said that as a result
of the shock she developed permanent loss of use of
her right arm, and that as of Jan., 2001, she had no
movement or feeling in her right arm and hand. Dismuke
stated that she was unable to perform any housework
and had not been able to drive an automobile for at
least four months as a result of her injury. According
to her sworn testimony her right arm was completely
dead and would hang limp at her side without her sling.
She claimed her total damages were $84,948.61. Investigation
into Dismuke’s claim revealed her having full
use of her right hand and arm.
Dismuke was arrested by Insurance Fraud Special Agent
Ray Seal, Virginia State Police, and charged with Attempting
to Obtain Money by False Pretense and with Perjury.
On Oct. 19, 2004, in Chesterfield County Circuit Court,
Dismuke pled guilty to Perjury and Attempting to Obtain
Money By False Pretense. On the charge of Attempting
to Obtain Money by False Pretense she was sentenced
to 10 years in the penitentiary with 10 years suspended.
She was sentenced to five years in jail with four years,
eight months suspended on the perjury charge.
The Virginia State Police is committed to "Stamp
Out" insurance fraud occurring in the Commonwealth.
If you have knowledge of a fraudulent insurance scheme
or suspect you may have been the victim of insurance
fraud, report the activity to Virginia State Police
Insurance Fraud Program on the insurance fraud hotline
at 1-877-62FRAUD (1-877-623-7283) or visit www.stampoutfraud.com.
You may also be eligible to receive a reward of up to
$25,000.
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