Kalispell driver charged with insurance fraud

Apr. 28--Ronald Lee Glover, 22, of Kalispell, is facing one felony count of criminal insurance fraud after a traffic accident last summer.

A court document filed March 6, 2020, indicated Glover was involved in a two-vehicle traffic accident July 5, 2019, near the Hutton Ranch commercial development in Kalispell. Glover allegedly pulled in front of a vehicle, causing the wreck. Glover then allegedly fled the scene, but his bumper and license plate remained at the scene.

The other driver called in the accident at 5:47 p.m. In addition to the information provided by the other driver, the license plate helped identify Glover as the driver.

A trooper with the Montana Highway Patrol following up on the accident spoke to Glover, who told the officer he had insurance at the time of the accident. While the officer waited for Glover to provide proof of insurance, he spoke with a representative of the insurance company who told him the insurance policy was activated at 6:04 p.m. the same day of the wreck.

A representative with the Montana State Auditor's Office got a copy of the application for insurance Glover made on July 5. Glover was asked to identify all incidents, accidents, license suspensions and expirations during the previous 36 months for all drivers.

Glover listed a speeding ticket dated May 12, 2017, but made no mention of the collision he allegedly caused merely minutes prior to seeking the insurance policy.

The insurance company didn't pay the claim because the policy wasn't in effect at the time of the collision, but a representative prepared a "dummy claim" that determined the company would have paid the market value, $2,270, of the vehicle hit by Glover, along with rental expenses.

Glover faces 10 years imprisonment and a maximum fine of $50,000. His arraignment is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Thursday, April 30.

Reporter Scott Shindledecker may be reached at 758-4441 or sshindledecker@dailyinterlake.com.

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