Idaho Insurance Fraud Scheme: Two Men Sentenced

ID Insurance News

Filed February 19th, 2026

Detected March 19th, 2026

Summary

The Idaho Department of Insurance announced the sentencing of two men for their involvement in a $200,000 insurance fraud scheme. Tanner Evans, a licensed insurance agent, and David Lenon were found guilty of insurance fraud related to a scheme involving classic vehicles destroyed by fire. Both received suspended sentences, probation, and restitution.

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What changed

The Idaho Department of Insurance has announced the sentencing of Tanner Evans and David Lenon for their roles in a $200,000 insurance fraud scheme. Evans, a licensed insurance agent, and Lenon conspired to obtain coverage for three classic vehicles destroyed by fire. Evans issued a new policy for $200,000, effective hours after the fire was reported, and Lenon subsequently filed a fraudulent claim, misrepresenting the date of loss. Both individuals pled guilty to insurance fraud.

This enforcement action highlights the consequences of insurance fraud, including license revocation for agents, suspended sentences, probation, fines, and restitution for individuals. The Idaho DOI emphasizes its commitment to holding individuals accountable and encourages reporting of suspected fraud. Regulated entities, particularly insurance agents and companies, should be aware of the stringent oversight and potential penalties for fraudulent activities. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of accurate reporting and adherence to policy effective dates.

What to do next

Review internal controls for policy issuance and claims processing to prevent similar fraudulent activities.
Ensure all licensed agents are aware of and adhere to regulations regarding policy effective dates and accurate loss reporting.
Report any suspected insurance fraud to the Idaho Department of Insurance.

Penalties

Tanner Evans: 1 year fixed (suspended) and 1 year indeterminate, 2 years supervised probation, 250 hours community service, court fines and restitution. Evans' insurance license revoked. David Lenon: 2 years fixed (suspended) and 1 year indeterminate, 3 years supervised probation, restitution, and a $15,000 fine.

Source document (simplified)

Idaho Cracks Down on Insurance Fraud: Two Idaho Men Sentenced in $200K Scheme

Thursday February 19, 2026 Contact: Julie Robinson, 208-334-4312
julie.robinson@doi.idaho.gov

BOISE, ID (February 19, 2026) – The Idaho Department of Insurance (DOI) announced that two Idaho residents have pled guilty to insurance fraud in connection with a scheme to obtain coverage for three classic vehicles that were destroyed by fire.

On January 26, 2026, Tanner Evans, a licensed insurance agent from Pocatello, pled guilty to one count of insurance fraud. On February 9, 2026, David Lenon of Bellevue also pled guilty to one count of insurance fraud involving the same claim.

An investigation conducted by the DOI Fraud Unit revealed that, in the early morning hours of November 28, 2022, a fire destroyed a large shop on Lenon’s property in Bellevue, Idaho. The shop housed three classic vehicles which at the time were uninsured due to lapsed coverage resulting from non-payment of premiums months earlier.

During the fire, Lenon contacted his nephew, Evans, seeking assistance in reinstating the lapsed policies. Evans admitted that Lenon called him while the fire was still burning. The policies could not be reinstated. However, Evans issued a new policy covering all three vehicles for $200,000, effective November 28, 2022, at 9:59 AM—almost six hours after the fire was reported.

Approximately one month later, Lenon submitted a claim for the vehicles, falsely reporting the date and time of loss as November 29, 2022, at 4:00 PM, roughly 36 hours after the actual fire. Lenon knowingly attempted to collect benefits under the new policy, despite being aware that the fire occurred prior to its effective date. Evans also knowingly issued coverage for vehicles that had already been destroyed.

Tanner Evans received a sentence of 1 year fixed (suspended) and 1 year indeterminate, with 2 years of supervised probation, 250 hours of community service, and court fines and restitution. Evans’ insurance license has been revoked by the Idaho Department of Insurance.

David Lenon received a sentence of 2 years fixed (suspended) and 1 year indeterminate, with 3 years of supervised probation, restitution and the maximum fine allowed of $15,000.

“Fraud undermines trust in the insurance system, and it drives up premiums for honest Idahoans,” said Dean L. Cameron, Director of the Idaho Department of Insurance. “Our department will continue to hold individuals accountable so families and businesses can rely on fair and affordable coverage.”

The Idaho Department of Insurance encourages anyone who suspects insurance fraud to report it at doi.idaho.gov or by calling the insurance fraud hotline at 1-866-939-7226.

About the Department of Insurance

The Idaho Department of Insurance has been regulating the business of insurance in Idaho since 1901. The mission of the Department is to serve and protect Idahoans by equitably, effectively and efficiently administering the Idaho Insurance Code and the International Fire Code. For more information, please visit us at doi.idaho.gov or email us at consumeraffairs@doi.idaho.gov.

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