3 arrested in insurance fraud scheme

Three people have been arrested in connection with an insurance fraud scheme after an anonymous tip gave deputies important information.

Terrell Loomis, 39, of Mayer, was arrested for a felony count of insurance fraud and booked at the Prescott Detention Center.

Tatum Tatum, 39, of Chino Valley, was booked on a charge of insurance fraud. Detectives said she told them her intent in the alleged scheme was to help her daughter and her daughter's boyfriend out of a financial jam. Lacey Tatum, 21, of Chino Valley, was also booked on one count of insurance fraud. Detectives said her boyfriend's participation, if any, is still under investigation.

The case began in early October when the Chino Valley Police Department completed a report involving the theft of a 2007 GMC Denali SUV.

The burned-out remains of vehicle were found in the Prescott National Forest by a quad rider on Oct. 8.

Yavapai County Sheriff's Office Detective Dave Zavos, who is a member of the Arizona Vehicle Theft Task Force, was called to investigate. Zavos was able to verify vehicle identification information and discovered that the vehicle's four wheels and rims valued at $2,000 had been stolen.

A short time later, Zavos said he received an anonymous tip that several people may have been purposely burned the Denali to recover insurance money.

Investigators said Lacey Tatum and her boyfriend had reported the Denali stolen on Oct. 5.

After several weeks of follow-up and interviews, Zavos met with Loomis on Nov. 6. Zavos said Loomis admitted to helping his friend, Tracey Tatum, who had requested his help in the scheme, investigators said.

Detectives said Loomis and Tracey Tatum drove the Denali to a remote location where he removed the rims, poured gas on the vehicle and set it on fire. They returned in his truck with the rims which he eventually sold in Phoenix, investigators said.

Tracey Tatum also gave him a laptop computer which belonged to her daughter, Lacey, and had been stored in the vehicle, authorities said. Neither Lacey nor her boyfriend was aware of the scheme, detectives said. Tracey told Lacey after the case became public.

Detectives said no money had been paid out by the insurance company involved in the case.

YCSO said it is trying to track down the whereabouts of the rims and wheels. People with information can contact Detective Zavos at 928-777-7275, the Chino Valley Police Department at 928-636-4223, or Yavapai Silent Witness at 800-932-3232