PRC Insurance Fraud Bureau Indicts State Farm Agent and Former Police Chief

SANTA FE, N.M., Nov. 13 -- The New Mexico Public Regulation Commission issued the following news release:

The Fraud Bureau of the Public Regulation Commission's Insurance Division is reporting two grand jury indictments won in October in Bernalillo County against a former Bosque Farms police chief and an Albuquerque insurance agent.

A tip from State Farm Insurance representatives led investigators to indict Joseph Stidham, also known as Joseph Vaughn, and former State Farm Insurance agent, Cynthia Solano Marez, on third and fourth degree felony charges for conspiracy and making a false insurance claim on a diamond bridal ring set.

Stidham was also charged for making a false insurance application.

According to district court records, infractions took place between Jan. 26, 2011 and March 28, 2011.

TNS hc11-121114-4105046 StaffFurigay