Courtnie Vertucci (LVMPD)LAS VEGAS (FOX5) -
A Las Vegas woman booked into the Clark County Detention Center was accused of setting fire to her own car in order for her insurer to pay for the damage.
Courtnie June Vertucci, 27, was booked on charges including third degree arson, arson for insurance fraud, attempted theft and felony tampering with a vehicle.
According to a warrant affidavit released by Las Vegas Justice Court, Vertucci had reported her vehicle stolen to Metro police in June 2010. She reported the stolen vehicle to her insurer thereafter.
The vehicle – a Suzuki Forenza – was later found set afire a few days after it was initially reported stolen.
Police then interviewed Vertucci and alleged accomplice Cason Wayne Yager. Both admitted the car had not actually been stolen, and Vertucci revealed the vehicle needed repairs. She wanted her insurer to pay for the repair work.
Yager told police he arranged to have the vehicle damaged.
An insurance investigator also interviewed Vertucci, who said the vehicle had been recovered without damage but later recanted her statement.
According to documents, she told the investigator the car was in disrepair and wanted it damaged in order to have it fixed by her insurance.
An arrest warrant for Vertucci and Yager were issued in April this year. She was booked this month related to the charges in the alleged theft and arson of her vehicle.
Documents did not reveal if Yager was in custody.
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