HORRY COUNTY, SC (WMBF) — Steven Tolisano, 24, the suspect previously charged with dog abuse in Horry County, is now facing new charges of insurance fraud and forgery, announced the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED).
According to arrest warrants, Tolisano submitted a fraudulent claim to Pet Best, a pet insurance company, on April 12. He provided a forged invoice from Palmetto VCA that falsely indicated a full payment of $315.85 for dog treatment, aiming to unlawfully receive co-insurance payments.
However, the full payment was never made. The actual amount due after deductibles and co-insurance was only $59.27, the warrants state.
Tolisano was arrested and booked into the J. Reuben Long Detention Center. The South Carolina Department of Insurance is prosecuting the case.
This new fraud case follows Tolisano’s earlier arrest in June for alleged animal abuse. Police reports include video evidence sent by Tolisano’s former roommate, showing him hitting, punching, and slapping a puppy over a three-minute span. The dog’s cries can be heard throughout the video, during which Tolisano was also reported to be singing and smiling intermittently.
The incident reportedly took place between Grissom Parkway and Highway 17 Bypass. The prior animal abuse charges are still pending.
