A man has admitted orchestrating a large-scale insurance fraud operation that netted $6 million.
William Oldham Mize faces a lengthy jail sentence after the scam, which involved staging fake car crashes and boat accidents. The scheme took place between 2013 and 2018, and enriched Mize.
Mize admitted charges of conspiracy, tax fraud, and failing to appear at court proceedings
The Fraud
According to court documents and the plea agreement, Mize orchestrated a large-scale insurance fraud operation. It involved deliberately causing automobile and boat collisions and staging home “accidents” to file false insurance claims and collect the proceeds.
Mize’s Evasion and Capture
Mize was initially indicted and appeared in federal court on January 9, 2019. After his initial appearance, he was released pending trial. However, in July 2019, he fled from supervision, becoming a fugitive and assuming multiple false identities.
He was arrested by U.S Marshals in November 2023 in Jacksonville, Florida. The officers acted on a lead that Mize, under a false identity, was attempting to sell a yacht in the Jacksonville area. He was arrested at a central Florida marina. Mize was then transported to Eastern Washington, where he has remained in custody.
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Statements from Law Enforcement and Officials
U.S. Attorney Waldref said:
“Mr. Mize attempted, but ultimately failed, to avoid the consequences of his fraudulent and dangerous schemes. Over the course of several years, Mr. Mize defrauded insurance companies out of millions of dollars by staging fake accidents that caused real, physical harm to his co-conspirators and others. These schemes greatly increase insurance premiums and costs for everyone, making it more expensive for ordinary Americans to own a car and to have reliable transportation for themselves and their families.”
Special Agent in Charge Adam Jobes from the IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS CI) Seattle Field Office added:
“Preventing auto accidents requires communal effort, and safety is something we all strive for. Mr. Mize, on the other hand, chose to travel a different path. Going on the run, Mr. Mize tried to escape the consequences of his actions. Today, however, is the end of the road, and Mr. Mize is being held accountable for his crimes.”
Investigation and Prosecution
The investigation was conducted by the IRS Criminal Investigation, FBI, and U.S. Marshals Service.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Dan Fruchter and Jeremy J. Kelley on behalf of the United States.
