As a Baltimore police officer, Michael Nelson filed official reports of crimes and traffic accidents into a national database.
But a federal grand jury alleges Nelson created false reports for burglaries and car thefts to make fraudulent insurance claims. Nelson, 26, and his wife, Tierra, 23, both of Baltimore, face federal charges of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud.
“Public confidence is shaken when law enforcement officers abuse their official authority,” said Maryland U.S. Attorney Rod Rosenstein. “I commend the Baltimore Police Department for assisting the FBI in conducting this investigation.”
The five-count indictment alleges that on Oct. 25, 2006, Tierra Nelson falsely reported to the Baltimore Police Department that her husband?s personal vehicle had been stolen. Information concerning the car was entered into the NCIC database.
Michael Nelson called his insurance company to report the car stolen, when in fact, it had not been stolen ? and State Farm Insurance Co. mailed checks to pay off the claim, prosecutors say.
Michael and Tierra Nelson also sold and prepared false police reports to support a false burglary claim and automobile accident claim, according to the indictment.
The Nelsons face maximum sentences of 20 years in prison.
Tierra Nelson had her initial appearance in U.S. District Court on Wednesday. Michael Nelson has his appearance Thursday.
