Sioux Center man facing insurance fraud pleads to lesser charge

ORANGE CITY, Iowa -- One of two Sioux County men charged with committing insurance fraud must pay a fine and restitution after pleading guilty to a lesser charge.

Michael Vecchio, 51, of Sioux Center, pleaded guilty Friday to fourth-degree fraudulent practice, a serious misdemeanor which was reduced from insurance fraud -- presenting false information, a Class D felony.

In accordance with terms of a plea agreement, District Judge Patrick Tott on Monday fined Vecchio $430 and ordered him to pay $500 jointly with co-defendant Todd Meendering to the victims.

Vecchio and Meendering were arrested in September after an Iowa Insurance Division Fraud Bureau investigation of their actions in April and May 2023.

According to court documents, Vecchio was involved in an accident while driving another person's vehicle that was to be detailed at Meendering's business. Vecchio filed a claim with his insurance company and provided false information in order to receive benefits to which he was not entitled.

Meendering solicited the vehicle's owner to make false statements in support of Vecchio's insurance claim so the insurance company would pay the claim and Meendering's business would not be liable for the damages, court documents said.

Meendering, 61, of Boyden, has pleaded not guilty to one count of insurance fraud -- conspiracy. He's scheduled to change his plea Jan. 6 in Sioux County District Court.