Northumberland Woman Commits Insurance Fraud After Selling Barn

A woman in Northumberland County, Tracey Jeffreys, has been charged with insurance fraud after attempting to collect insurance money on her barn due to alleged wind damage. Jeffreys claimed a portion of her barn blew down in a windstorm when, in fact, the barn had already been sold. The buyer was a Discovery Channel reality TV show, Barnwood Builders. The show involves skilled craftsmen demolishing and repurposing material from old barns and cabins.

If you’ve been accused of insurance fraud, you need the help of the LLF Law Firm. Pennsylvania takes insurance fraud seriously; you can expect Pennsylvania’s Attorney General Insurance Fraud Section to leave no stone unturned in its hunt for insurance fraud. Fortunately, the LLF Law Firm Criminal Defense Team is well-versed in eliminating and mitigating insurance fraud charges. Get started with our team today by calling 888-535-3686 or contact us online.

The Sale to Barnwood Builders

In mid-2022, the show Barnwood Builders offered and subsequently purchased Jeffreys’ barn. Following an in-person inspection of the barn, a Barnwood Builders representative found the barn wasn’t in as good condition as was originally conveyed. The barn had extensive beetle damage. Additionally, the type of wood wasn’t what the show had anticipated finding. In October of that year, instead of a complete demolition of the barn, Barnwood Builders agreed to honor its contract to purchase the barn but did so in parts, leaving sections of the barn behind.

Finding Fraud

Within days of Barnwood Builders leaving the property, Jeffreys filed a claim with her homeowner’s insurance company, claiming that a windstorm had torn a part of her barn. She claimed the windstorm caused the damage before Barnwood Builders came onsite for its partial demolition.

The insurance company had doubts and deployed an engineer to determine if wind speeds present on the day of the alleged windstorm could have produced the reported damage. The engineer found that the damage was not possible considering the wind conditions.

The insurance company also pushed Jeffreys to provide additional documentation supporting her claim. Jeffreys could not do so and ultimately withdrew her claim, but the ball was already rolling in catching her in the crime.

Jeffreys admitted to an agent of her homeowner’s insurance company that the claim was false. Accordingly, the insurance company contacted Pennsylvania authorities to report the crime.

Retain the LLF Law Firm to Defend Against Your Insurance Fraud Charges

Jeffreys claimed she needed the insurance money to fund the cleanup of the barn site; at the LLF Law Firm, we know there are many reasons people end up in this situation. Insurance fraud can seem like a victimless crime. Insurance companies are rich, and you’re paying for the insurance, but unfortunately, law enforcement sees it differently.

At the LLF Law Firm, we understand that everyone makes mistakes, and we don’t believe your life should be ruined over a single mistake. Whether it’s insurance fraud, identity theft, or any other crime, we can help. Our Criminal Defense Team will fight tirelessly to ensure you get the best outcome in your case. Call the LLF Law Firm today at 888-535-3686 or contact us online.