NRI Pulse

City News

Georgia convenience store owners arrested for arson and insurance fraud

NRI Pulse Staff Report

Atlanta, GA, August 28, 2020: Two Lanier County men of Indian origin were arrested for arson and fraud last month. Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John F. King’s Fire Investigations Unit took out warrants on Nilesh Patel, 41, and Bhavinkumar Joshi, 34, both of Lakeland, Georgia for arson in the 1st degree and insurance fraud. Patel and Joshi were later arrested by the Lanier County Sheriff’s Office on July 31. 

The charges stem from an August 20, 2016 fire at the Bulldog #3 convenience store located at 512 West Highway 84 in Stockton, which Patel and Joshi jointly owned. Investigators with the Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner’s Office determined the fire was intentionally set and launched an additional fraud investigation, resulting in the Arson and Insurance Fraud charges. 

“These two men conspired to burn their business to the ground and collect on the insurance payment,” said Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John F. King. “I’m proud of the coordination between our investigators and the local authorities to bring this case to a conclusion and get these individuals into custody.” 

Insurance fraud is a felony punishable by imprisonment for two to 10 years, or by a fine of up to $10,000.00, or both. 

Related posts

Narayan Seva Sansthan recognizes supporters at felicitation ceremony

Veena

Did you know why HTA is performing the Sri Medha Dakshinamurthy Yagam?

Veena

SprinklingSmiles donates food, groceries and masks to bring smiles to over 50,000 in Mumbai

Veena

Leave a Comment