2 from region arrested for insurance fraud

June 29--Attorney General Kathleen G. Kane announced Monday the insurance fraud arrests of 20 individuals across the commonwealth, including two from the region: David W. Barnes, 48, of Central City, and Bethany Jean Byer, 26, of Johnstown.

The arrests, for a variety of unrelated insurance fraud offenses, were made throughout June and were the result of investigations by the Office of Attorney General's Insurance Fraud Section, the largest law enforcement entity in Pennsylvania with specific authority to investigate and prosecute such crimes.

Barnes of 919 Sunshine Ave. in Central City, Somerset County, was arrested June 19 and charged with one count each of insurance fraud and criminal attempt to commit theft by deception. The investigation of Barnes was initiated after a referral from Nationwide Insurance. In March 2014, Barnes called to obtain comprehensive coverage for his automobile, Kane said. Less than an hour after the call, he filed a claim stating his vehicle was damaged by fire in Dallas, West Virginia, agents allege. Investigators also reported the local fire department responded to a fire involving Barnes' vehicle roughly 30 minutes before he placed the call to obtain comprehensive coverage. Barnes was released on his own recognizance following a preliminary arraignment where he waived both charges to court.

Byer of 307 Cherry Lane, Johnstown, was arrested June 26 and charged with one count each of insurance fraud, forgery and a violation of the controlled substances, drugs, device and cosmetic act. Byer was receiving care from a doctor after a knee injury and received a prescription for oxycodone, Kane said. During one visit to her doctor, Byer allegedly took blank prescriptions that she found in a desk drawer and used those prescriptions to obtain approximately 1,560 oxycodone pills, agents allege. She also is accused of writing prescriptions in the name of herself, her husband, mother, father and sister. She allegedly forged her doctor's name and the prescriptions were processed through the insurance companies on file for the various individuals. Byer's bail was set at $25,000 unsecured. Her preliminary hearing is set for 10 a.m. July 1 before District Judge John Barron.

"Insurance fraud affects everyone, whether it's through increased insurance rates or more costly goods and services," Kane said in a release. "It is crucial that we investigate and prosecute those who seek to take advantage of the system."

Kecia Bal is a reporter for The Tribune-Democrat. Follow her on Twitter at @KeciaBKay

___

(c)2015 The Tribune-Democrat (Johnstown, Pa.)

Visit The Tribune-Democrat (Johnstown, Pa.) at www.tribune-democrat.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.