Two Northwest Iowa Men Charged with Insurance Fraud

Des Moines - Michael Vecchio, age 50, of Sioux Center was charged with one count of Insurance Fraud - Presenting False Information (Class D Felony) and Todd Meendering, age 61, of Boyden was charged with one count of Insurance Fraud - Conspiracy (Class D Felony), following an investigation by the Iowa Insurance Division's Fraud Bureau.

The charges against Vecchio and Meendering stem from an investigation that began in March 2024. According to criminal complaints filed by the Iowa Insurance Division's Fraud Bureau, Vecchio was involved in an accident while driving a vehicle that was to be detailed at Meendering's business. Vecchio filed a claim with his insurance company and provided false information to receive benefits for which he was not eligible. Meendering solicited the vehicle's owner to make false statements to Vecchio's insurance company to support the claim.

On September 17, 2024, Vecchio was arrested. On September 20, 2024, Vecchio was released on a cash bond. Meendering was arrested and released on a surety bond on September 24, 2024,

Iowans with information about insurance fraud are encouraged to contact the Iowa Insurance Division's Fraud Bureau at 515-654-6556.

No additional information will be provided at this time.

Note: A criminal charge is merely an accusation. Defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.