Orange County deputy hit deer, filed fraudulent claim to get insurance to cover it, state CFO says

Feb. 21-- Feb. 21--An Orange County deputy is facing a felony, accused of filing a $2,230 fraudulent insurance claim after he hit a deer in his personal vehicle last year.

Wadih Ojeil, 26, was arrested Feb. 15 on a charge of filing a false and fraudulent insurance claim. If convicted, the deputy faces up to five years in prison.

Authorities say Ojeil was driving his 2012 Ford Mustang late July 6 when he struck a deer near Timber Springs Boulevard and Avalon Park Boulevard, causing more than $2,000 in damage.

Shortly after the crash, Ojeil called his insurance company, GEICO, to add comprehensive coverage to his existing policy -- but did not report the crash or any existing damage to his car, officials said.

But, authorities say, he did ask his insurance company "multiple times" if the added insurance covered deer collisions. The new coverage went into effect three days after the collision.

On July 10, Ojeil contacted GEICO to report the collision. State investigators interviewed him the same day.

Authorities say Ojeil "admitted remorsefully" to filing the false claim.

A Sheriff's Office spokesperson said Ojeil, who's been with the agency since July 2016, is suspended without pay. The spokesperson said an internal investigation will follow the conclusion of his criminal case.

"Not only is filing false insurance claims illegal, but it drives up insurance rates for hardworking Floridians," Florida CFO Jimmy Patronis said in a statement. "This deputy swore to uphold and protect the law, but instead he committed fraud for personal gain. No matter who you are, my fraud detectives will find you and you will be held accountable."

Ojeil was released after posting $1,000 bond. He's due in court for an arraignment March 7.

Michael Williams can be reached at [email protected], 407-420-5022 or @michaeldamianw.

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