Hartley couple pleads not guilty of insurance fraud

PRIMGHAR, Iowa -- A Hartley, Iowa, couple has pleaded not guilty of filing fraudulent insurance documents.

Jeremiah Poduska, 34, is charged with fraudulent submission to insurer -- fraudulent submission made with intent to defraud insurer. Alicia Poduska, 34, is charged with fraudulent submission to insurer -- conspire to make fraudulent submission with intent to defraud insurer. Both filed their written pleas Friday in O'Brien County District Court. The charges are Class D felonies.

According to court documents, Jeremiah Poduska submitted a falsified invoice claiming rental equipment charges totaling $13,685 to his insurance company on July 21, 2024, in an attempt to obtain payment. The invoice contained a fictitious company name and falsely identified Alicia Poduska, who is an insurance adjuster, as the authorized contact person. Alicia Poduska's name and phone number were included on the invoice in an effort to make the document appear legitimate.

The two were arrested Oct. 8.