Sherwood man tries to use insurance bought day after wreck

LITTLE ROCK – Arkansas Insurance Commissioner Allen Kerr today released the following statement regarding a recent guilty plea by a Sherwood man on one count of felony insurance fraud:

“More great work by our Criminal Investigation Division led to a guilty plea for insurance fraud.  We will continue to fight to decrease fraud in our state, which will lead to lower rates for all Arkansans.”

On June 13 in Pulaski County Circuit Court, Raphael Harper, 36, entered a plea of guilty to one count of Insurance Fraud, a Class D Felony, stemming from a March 10, 2014 motorcycle accident.  One day later, Harper purchased insurance with Markel Insurance Company on his motorcycle.  On March 15, 2014, Harper filed a claim with Markel, claiming that the motorcycle accident occurred that day in an attempt to get his motorcycle repaired by the insurance company.

Harper was sentenced to 2 years probation, a $250 fine, court costs, and 50 hours of community service.