New York man pleads guilty to attempted insurance fraud after arson scheme

Desk report: Nicholas Di Puma of Walton, New York, pleaded guilty to attempted insurance fraud after investigators determined he intentionally set fires that destroyed his home and convertible in an attempt to collect insurance payouts.

Di Puma initially told investigators the fires began accidentally while he was cooking steak. According to his account, a pan on the stovetop ignited and he attempted to extinguish the flames with a dishrag that also caught fire. He said he threw the burning pan outside, where it landed in the backseat of his convertible and ignited the vehicle.

He further claimed that while carrying a second flaming pan outside, he tripped over a box, causing the pan to fall onto a leather couch and set the house ablaze.

Investigators found the explanation implausible and concluded the fires had been intentionally set as part of an insurance fraud scheme.

In December 2008, Di Puma pleaded guilty in Delaware County Court to second- and third-degree attempted insurance fraud. He was sentenced to five years of probation and ordered to pay $37,997 in restitution. He did not receive any insurance payouts.

The case has since been cited in discussions of unusual insurance fraud attempts.