CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) -- A West Virginia couple has pleaded guilty in a scheme to defraud American Electric Power Co. out of nearly $600,000 by submitting false power surge damage claims.
U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin says 42-year-old Mark Ingram and 32-year-old Crystal Ingram pleaded guilty Monday to conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud.
Prosecutors say the Ingrams admitted to working with former AEP property damage claims adjuster Deborah Farmer to submit fake claims. Farmer pleaded guilty in April, admitting she arranged for the Ingrams and others to submit the claims, ranging from $4,000 to $19,000.
The Ingrams admitted they were paid four checks for a total of $53,000.
Seven other co-defendants also have pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing.
Each faces 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine when they are sentenced Sept. 18.
