Former Rigby councilman accused of fraud, theft

A former Rigby city councilman is accused of insurance fraud and grand theft, both felonies.

Reid Blackburn was arraigned in 7th District Court in Rigby on Monday on both charges.

The Idaho Attorney General’s Office filed the charges April 1. Office spokesperson Bob Cooper said Blackburn was arrested in Gilbert, Ariz., around May 20.

According to the attorney general’s complaint, Blackburn used an Allianz annuity application in May 2009 to falsely identify himself as the son of the applicant, Margaret L. Orvick. The insurance fraud charge has a maximum penalty of up to 15 years in prison and a $15,000 fine.

Blackburn is also accused of using money from the Orvick estate for a variety of personal expenses. The grand theft charge carries a penalty of up to five years in prison and a $50,000 fine.

A preliminary hearing has not yet been set. Blackburn is free on $5,000 bond.