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A West Virginia family has been indicted for an alleged insurance fraud scheme.
Windel Lester, 66, his ex-wife Georgetta Lester, 41, and his sons James Lester, 47, and Gregory Lester, 40, have been charged with federal crimes including money laundering, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and mail fraud.
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Authorities said that between 2012 and 2014, the Lesters and others concocted a plan to scam an insurance company by buying vacant properties, insuring them, and setting fire to them. The fraud ring allegedly received more than $550,000 in insurance payments made on phony claims.
The indictment also claims that the Lesters laundered the insurance money they received through at least two banks, including one where Windel Lester was a member of the board of directors.
If convicted, the Lesters each face up to 20 years in federal prison for the conspiracy charge and up to 10 years for money laundering. The use of fire to commit a felony also carries a sentence of up to 10 years.
