Final Defendant Receives Sentencing in $300K Pennsylvania Auto Insurance Fraud Case

The final defendant in a $300,000 Cumberland County auto insurance scam has been sentenced, closing a major fraud case. Lori Retus, 51, received a sentence of four years’ probation, with six months of house arrest. Her co-conspirators, Kwa’rai Samuel, 25, and Kevin Hartung, 46, were previously sentenced to prison terms ranging from two to ten years. Together, the trio must pay restitution exceeding $300,000.

An investigation by the Office of Attorney General and the 52nd Statewide Investigating Grand Jury found that the group orchestrated an identity theft and insurance fraud operation. They stole identities, created fictitious insurance policies, and submitted fake accident claims, successfully cashing in on 21 out of 42 fraudulent claims.

Attorney General Dave Sunday emphasized the broader impact of insurance fraud, noting that schemes like this drive up premiums for honest consumers. All three defendants pleaded guilty to multiple charges including corrupt organizations, insurance fraud, and theft by deception. The case was prosecuted by members of the Attorney General’s Insurance Fraud Section.