According to the CDI, further investigation implicated seven others: Aida Akopian, 36; Seda Markarian, 62; Mamikon Hakobyan, 74; Masis Galstan, 49; Rosa Galstyan, 42; Roza Issayan, 41; and Setik Patatanian, 49. Authorities arrested Grigorian along with those mentioned above. All family members or close associates of Grigorian, these suspects must now appear in court to either refute or confirm their respective involvement in two purportedly staged auto collisions (both in 2008) for which multiple insurers doled out $62,000.

The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Auto Insurance Fraud Division is prosecuting cases against all of them.

In Sacramento, CA, authorities arrested five suspected auto fraudsters that same day: James Adkins, 44, Justin Highsmith, 33, James Peacock, 38, Kori Feinstein, 33, and Kevin Johnson, 37, each face one felony count of insurance fraud, including providing false statements in support of an insurance claim. Feinstein and Johnson were also charged with one felony count of possession of stolen property and vehicle theft.

According to CDI investigators, in May 2010, Adkins filed a claim with his insurer and credit union alleging that his 2002 Cadillac Escalade had been stolen. Adkins told both the insurer and law enforcement that his ride was taken from his Sacramento. residence.

However, investigators contend that six weeks prior to filing the claim, Adkins, Highsmith and Peacock staged the theft. Investigators further allege that in April 2010, Johnson purchased Adkins’ Cadillac. After becoming aware the car was reported stolen in July 2010, Johnson attempted to hide the vehicle from the law enforcement officials who had contacted him to inspect it.

According to investigators, Johnson purchased parts from other salvaged vehicles and swapped the parts onto the Cadillac in an attempt to conceal its true identity. Johnson and Feinstein then allegedly went to the California Department of Motor Vehicles and re-registered the Cadillac as a 2004 GMC Yukon.

After interviewing witnesses and conducting an investigation, CDI’s Auto Fraud Task Force reportedly discovered that Highsmith and Peacock assisted Adkins in this owner give-up insurance fraud scheme. It was also discovered that Johnson used a local auto repair facility to assist him in switching out stolen parts on the vehicle.

Although the insurance company ultimately denied Adkins’ claim, it would have paid approximately $26,000, had the fraud not been discovered.

Adkins, Highsmith, Feinstein and Johnson were all arrested and booked at Sacramento County Jail. Peacock is currently in custody serving time at Lancaster State Prison in Los Angeles County on an unrelated matter. Bail for Johnson has been set at $100,000; bail for the other suspects is $40,000.