Sibley, Iowa — A Sibley man has been arrested on a warrant for a felony insurance fraud charge.
According to a criminal complaint filed with the Osceola County Clerk of Court’s Office by the Iowa Insurance Fraud Bureau, 31-year-old Steven Browning of Sibley is accused of presenting false information to an insurer. He was arrested on Sunday.
In his statement, the agent says the case involves an automobile accident that happened in July of 2024. He says a review of Browning’s Progressive Policy found that a 1995 Dodge Ram and Chrysler Town and Country had been added to the insurance policy on the day of the accident with a $100 deductible for collision and a $1,500 deductible for comprehensive. He says Browning then reported the accident to Progressive the next evening, filing an insurance claim. By doing so, the agent says Browning obtained insurance on the 1995 Dodge Ram after the damage to the vehicle had occurred, in order to fix the damage sustained to the vehicle. By doing so, Browning submitted an insurance claim, knowing the damage had occurred when the vehicle was not covered by insurance.
Browning was charged with insurance fraud, a class D felony. If convicted, he could face up to five years in prison.
Browning faces a preliminary hearing on October 13th.
At last report, Browning remained in the Osceola County Jail in Sibley in lieu of a $5000 bond.
