Abingdon Man Pleads Guilty to Phony Aflac Claims

An Abingdon man pleaded guilty to a felony theft scheme this week in which he submitted dozens of fraudulent insurance claims, according to a statement from Attorney General Douglas Gansler.

Michael Paul Citro, 30, of Phillips Choice Court, submitted 67 fraudulent insurance applications to American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus (Aflac) between Aug. 27, 2009, and Oct. 14, 2010, the statement said.

Aflac paid $16,947.54 in insurance commissions to Citro, who was a licensed insurance agent at the time, according to the report. He pleaded guilty to the crime in the Harford County Circuit Court on Tuesday, according to the statement.

"Insurance rates are high enough as it is, but when people defraud the system, it has a potential trickle-down effect on the premiums of all Marylanders," Gansler said.

Added Gansler: "Fortunately, this individual will pay the price for attempting to use his position as an insurance agent to steal money."

A theft scheme of at least $10,000 but less than $100,000 is a felony punishable by a maximum sentence of 15 years in jail and a $15,000 fine, according to the statement.

Citro's conviction was the result of an investigation by the Insurance Fraud Division of the Maryland Insurance Administration and the Office of the Attorney General. Gansler thanked the Maryland State Police for assistance as well.