Trial dates set for three accused in Troy insurance fraud scheme

July 27--Three separate trial dates are scheduled for the co-owners of a Troy auto shop and their former employee, who are each accused of playing a role in an insurance fraud scheme.

Jay Coppo, 50, of Troy, his sister, Jodi Champney, 45, of Winchester, and their former employee, Christopher Pratt, 33, of Gilsum face separate but related charges in connection with the 2012 incident at J&J Auto Body on South Street.

Prosecutors allege a fire was intentionally set to a 1987 Peterbilt wrecker Jan. 26, 2012, for the purpose of collecting insurance money.

Coppo and Champney are each charged with two counts of insurance fraud between Jan. 26, 2012, and May 11, 2012. The pair is accused of concealing information from the insurer of the truck, Zurich Insurance Co., that the damage was intentional, according to court documents.

The insurance claims totaled about $60,000, according to Assistant Cheshire County Attorney John M. Gasaway Jr., who is prosecuting the three cases.

Champney is the first of the pair scheduled to stand trial in January, followed by Coppo in March 2016, according to an order Cheshire County Superior Court Judge John C. Kissinger Jr. issued earlier this month.

Pratt faces two counts of arson and one count of accomplice to insurance fraud. He is accused of helping ignite the fire with the intent to defraud the truck's insurer, according to court documents. His case is slated for trial this November.

Another man, who also worked for Coppo and Champney, pleaded guilty in October 2014 to a felony count of accomplice to arson for pouring accelerants on the commercial wrecker, according to court documents. Craig Fields, 32, of Swanzey was sentenced to six months in jail, although was immediately eligible for electronic monitoring. An additional six-month jail sentence was suspended for three years, pending good behavior.

Alyssa Dandrea can be reached at 352-1234, extension 1435, or adandrea@keenesentinel.com. Follow her on Twitter @ADandreaKS.

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