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Sun City man identified as 'ringleader' behind Arizona insurance scam

The suspects allegedly filed fake water damage claims to an insurance company that resulted in a payout worth over $1 million.

MARICOPA COUNTY, Ariz. — Three Arizona residents are facing criminal charges for their alleged involvement in a years-long insurance scam that netted them over $1 million, officials say.

The Yavapai County Sheriff's Office announced Thursday it had obtained warrants to arrest Ronald William Higgins of Sun City and Eddie Murdock of Mayer after completing a months-long investigation into insurance fraud. 

YCSO said Higgins, Murdock and Dustin Mountain of Cordes Lakes were allegedly part of a "sophisticated plot" that involved filing false water damage claims to All State Insurance. 

All the false claims were verified by the same person, a well-known adjuster who had an excellent reputation in the industry, YCSO said. 

A total of $1.3 million was paid out on the fraudulent insurance claims. YCSO said the scheme took place in both Maricopa and Yavapai counties.

Higgins was described as the scheme's "ringleader" and was arrested last week in Indiana. Mountain is already in custody for unrelated charges. 

YCSO said investigators are still actively looking for Murdock.

   

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