Preston woman sentenced for insurance fraud
PRESTON, Idaho (KIFI/KIDK) - Tara S. Harris, 46, of Preston was sentenced Friday on one count of insurance fraud. The Idaho Attorney General's Office said she pleaded guilty to the charge in September.
According to an investigation, Harris was an insurance biller at a local hospital. She submitted false insurance claims to AFLAC Accident Insurance from November 2015 to May 2016. The false claims were submitted using real medical records she obtained through her employment. Harris modified the records to make it appear members of her family had received treatment. As a result, AFLAC paid Harris benefits she was not entitled to receive.
Sixth District Judge Mitchell Brown withheld judgment and sentenced Harris to 3 years probation. She was ordered to serve 120 days in jai, but the Judge suspended 116 days. Harris was also ordered to serve 30 days of house arrest following the conclusion of her 4 days in jail. She will also pay a $750 fine, $800 for public defender reimbursement, $1,881 in restitution to the Idaho Department of Insurance, and court costs. She will also be required to complete 100 hours of community service.
