ORLANDO, Fla. — An Orange County deputy was arrested last week after state financial services investigators say he filed a false auto insurance claim after hitting a deer.
- CFO investigators: Deputy hit deer with car in July 2018
- He added insurance, then filed claim for $2,230, they say
- Sheriff's Office says deputy has been suspended without pay
Wadih Ojeil was arrested on insurance fraud charges Friday and booked into the Orange County Jail, state CFO Jimmy Patronis' office said in a news release.
According to the investigators, Ojeil hit a deer with his 2012 Ford Mustang on July 6, 2018. Soon after, he contacted his auto insurance company to add coverage but didn't disclose that his car had damage from hitting the deer.
Investigators said he even asked the insurance company if the additional coverage would cover a crash with a deer.
When the new coverage went into effect several days later, he contacted the insurance company to report that he'd hit a deer and wanted to file a claim for $2,230, the CFO's office says.
The Orange County Sheriff's Office says it was notified on September 11, 2018 about the investigation into Ojeil and moved him to an administrative role.
This past Tuesday, he was suspended without pay, the Sheriff's Office said. Ojeil has been with agency since July 2016.
"We hold our deputies to the highest ethical standards whether they are on duty or off duty. We are committed to serving this community with integrity and ensuring that any alleged misconduct is thoroughly investigated and that the results of that investigation are made public," Sheriff John Mina said.
If convicted of the charges, Ojeil could face up to five years in prison.