(Des Moines, Iowa) – Two northwest Iowa men face felony Insurance Fraud charges following an investigation by the Iowa Insurance Division’s Fraud Bureau. Authorities say 50-year-old Michael Vecchio, of Sioux Center, was charged with one count of Insurance Fraud – Presenting False Information (a Class D Felony), and 61-year-old Todd Meendering, of Boyden, was charged with one count of Insurance Fraud – Conspiracy (Class D Felony).

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.

Michael Vecchio and Todd Meendering. Photos Courtesy of Sioux County Jail

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.

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