(Des Moines, Iowa) – An investigation by the Iowa Insurance Division’s Fraud Bureau, has resulted in the arrest of three Des Moines residents. Authorities say 52-year-old Lavona Lopez, 29-year-old Dario Ovelry, and 28-year-old Ashly Overly, all pled guilty to one count Insurance Fraud – Presenting False Information (a Class D Felony).

The investigation began in January 2021 after the Iowa Insurance Divisions Fraud Bureau received information indicating Lopez had provided false information to an insurer following an automobile accident in Polk County.

The investigation determined Lopez had made false representations regarding the nature of the loss in an effort to secure benefits of the insurance policy. Lopez made false statements to an insurer regarding the facts and circumstances of a motor vehicle collision. The investigation determined Lopez fabricated independent witnesses who provided statements to an insurer in support of Lopez’s version of events. The investigation identified Lopez’s witnesses as her son, Dario Ovelry, and daughter-in-law, Ashly Overy. The investigation determined that neither Dario nor Ashly Overly had been at, or near the scene of the collision nor had they witnessed the event leading up to the collision. Lavona Lopez, Dario Ovelry and Ashly Overly were all charged with Insurance Fraud and warrants were issued for their arrest.

Ashly Overly was arrested on June 17, 2022 and pled guilty to one count of insurance fraud on October 5, 2022. Dario Overly was arrested on June 17, 2022 and pled guilty to one count of insurance fraud on August 26, 2022. Lopez was arrested on November 9, 2022 and pled guilty to one count of insurance fraud on February 1, 2023.

Following their guilty pleas, Lavona Lopez, Dario Ovelry and Ashly Overy received  deferred sentences and were placed on supervised probation for a period of two years. They were also ordered to pay a fine of $1,025 each.

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