Idaho Department of Insurance
02/19/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 02/19/2026 12:54
Idaho Cracks Down on Insurance Fraud: Two Idaho Men Sentenced in $200K Scheme
Contact: Julie Robinson, 208-334-4312
[email protected]
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 Evans' insurance license has been revoked by the Idaho Department of Insurance.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
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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 [email protected].
Idaho Department of Insurance published this content on February 19, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on February 19, 2026 at 18:54 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]