Bogus wedding ring claim lands Idaho man in jail

A 47-year-old man from eastern Idaho was sentenced today for filing a fraudulent insurance claim on the value of his wife's wedding ring, Attorney General Lawrence Wasden said.

Seventh District Judge Joel Tingey ordered Michael T. Pincock to serve seven days in the county jail, fined him $500, and placed him on probation for two years. The court issued a withheld judgment.

Pincock, of Roberts, pleaded guilty on Nov. 11, 2013, to one count of felony insurance fraud. By pleading guilty, Pincock admitted he submitted a fraudulent claim with American Family Insurance Company on Aug. 17, 2011, for the loss of the wedding ring set, claiming a value of $5,800 to $6,400.

When interviewed by investigators, Pincock's wife stated that her husband asked her to sign the loss claim form. She also told investigators she refused to sign the claim form due to a pending divorce and because the diamond from the wedding ring had actually been lost on a camping trip in 2004.

Anyone who witnesses or suspects insurance fraud is encouraged to contact the Idaho Department of Insurance at www.doi.idaho.gov

The case was investigated by the Idaho Department of Insurance and prosecuted by Deputy Attorney General Lisa Donnell of the Attorney General's Insurance Crimes Unit.