By Joseph A. Slobodzian
The Philadelphia Inquirer
PHILADELPHIA — A Philadelphia police officer under investigation and on limited duty since July was arrested yesterday by the District Attorney’s Office and accused of participating in an insurance-fraud scheme.
Officer Deshane Riggins, 28, was charged with 19 counts of insurance fraud, 19 counts of tampering with public records, and criminal conspiracy, according to the District Attorney’s Office.
Riggins, an officer since April 2000, had been assigned to the 14th Police District, in the city’s far northwest. In July, after police officials learned he was under investigation, he was put on desk duty at Police Headquarters at Eighth and Race Streets.
Riggins, who has been suspended for 30 days with intent to dismiss, was expected to post bail and be released, said Lt. Frank Vanore, a police spokesman.
Information was sketchy about Riggins’ alleged role in the conspiracy, how long the scheme lasted, the identities of others involved, the insurance companies victimized, and the size of the losses.
Assistant District Attorney Linda Perkins, chief of the insurance-fraud and auto-theft division, has asked that no other information be made public because the investigation is continuing, said Cathie Abookire, spokeswoman for District Attorney Lynne M. Abraham.
Perkins could not be reached for comment.
The prosecutors’ statement alleges that on 19 occasions, Riggins prepared false accident reports that he knew coconspirators would use to file phony insurance claims.
Felonies of the third degree — each count against Riggins is one - carry a maximum sentence of seven years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000, the District Attorney’s Office said.
Copyright 2008 The Philadelphia Inquirer