Jeff Webb, who once lead La Quinta High School to a CIF title before playing for San Diego State University and the Kansas City Chiefs, was arrested on suspicion of staging car crashes in an insurance fraud scheme.
Webb, who lives in Indio, was arrested on June 28 after authorities identified him as the “ringleader” in the scheme, according to the Press Enterprise. Eight other people were involved, say authorities – with the total loss in the crashes was estimated at $139,000.
Via Bloomberg:
The group supposedly purchased insurance policies for privately owned cars and rental vehicles, and then purposefully crashed them. The suspects requested medical help even though the vehicles only suffered minor damage, according to the statement. The department was alerted by one of the insurance companies that suspected fraud.
“California is ground zero for staged auto collisions,” Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones said in a written statement. “Organized crime rings are responsible for the majority of staged collisions, which are costly to insurers and consumers.”
Authorities began to investigate after one of the victimized insurance companies suspected a crash was fraudulent, and contacted law enforcement.
Court records show Webb, who recently hosted a football camp in La Quinta, posted bail – $120,000 – and was released from jail the day after his arrest, June 29.