Danielle R. Patrick, 39, pled guilty in Pierce County Superior Court to felony insurance fraud in connection with a $1,799 fraudulent insurance claim. Patrick was sentenced to repay the money and court fees; she will not serve any time in prison.

Patrick was investigated by Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler’s Special Investigations Unit (SIU) after she filed a $1,799 claim with Travelers Insurance, stating that her vehicle had been broken into the night of May 13, 2013, at her home in University Place. She claimed that six items, including an Apple MacBook laptop, had been stolen. When the insurance company asked for proof that she owned the items, Patrick provided a falsified receipt for the laptop and sent a picture of the computer that was taken the day after she reported it stolen.

Patrick was charged in June with felony insurance fraud and attempted second-degree theft, a misdemeanor. The court dismissed the misdemeanor charge as part of her plea.

Kreidler’s Special Investigations Unit investigates insurance fraud and works with the Attorney General’s Office and local prosecutors to prosecute criminal cases.  Consumers can report suspected insurance fraud on the Insurance Commissioner’s website.