FORMER HPD OFFICER PLEADS GUILTY TO INSURANCE FRAUD

News Release from Office of the Governor, Jun 28, 2018

HONOLULU – Former Honolulu Police Department Officer Travis Copeland (“Copeland”) was arraigned in Circuit Court today and pled guilty to two counts of Insurance Fraud in front of State Circuit Judge Colette Garibaldi. During the period of October 23, 2017 to and including March 16, 2018, Copeland attempted to obtain insurance benefits from United Services Automobile Association (“USAA”) by presenting false information on a claim for payment. In the second count, during the period of November 20, 2017 to and including January 18, 2018, Copeland obtained insurance benefits from Assurant, doing business as American Bankers Insurance Company of Florida, by presenting false information on a claim as well.

Copeland staged a burglary of his Pearl City home and reported jewelry, cash, liquor and electronics were missing. He provided Assurant a list of items stolen including engagement and wedding rings. Assurant paid Copeland $4796.71 as a result of his insurance claim. During that same staged burglary, the keys to his Mercedes as well as the vehicle itself were missing. It was later reported burning nearby by an eyewitness. USAA would have paid Copeland $13,393.00 for the Mercedes had it been a valid claim. Copeland later admitted to Insurance Fraud Investigators that he staged the burglary and the burning Mercedes and that he submitted false claims to both insurance companies.

Through his defense attorney, Copeland moved for a deferral of the charges. Sentencing is set for October 2018 where Judge Garibaldi will rule on the deferral at that time. Insurance Fraud is not a victimless crime and offenders come from all walks of life. Insurance companies suffer the loss but ultimately the consumers are affected with the rise of premiums.

To report suspicious activity or for more information on insurance fraud, call the Insurance Fraud hotline at (808) 587-7416.

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