Bakersfield, CA – Jacob McNabb, a 33-year-old Kern County resident, has been convicted of 15 fraud-related charges, including filing false insurance claims and submitting fraudulent court documents in small claims cases. McNabb now faces more than 17 years in prison following his conviction on Tuesday.
According to District Attorney Cynthia Zimmer, McNabb exploited multiple victims through calculated fraudulent schemes. “He attempted to deceive the court and manipulate insurance companies, but justice has prevailed today,” Zimmer said in a statement following the verdict.
Two Fraudulent Schemes
McNabb’s fraudulent activities involved two separate schemes that spanned several years.
1. False Insurance Claims (2016-2017)
The first scheme began in December 2016, when McNabb intentionally staged four separate collisions. After each accident, he filed insurance claims, receiving money for car repairs. However, instead of repairing his vehicle, McNabb kept the money and, when involved in subsequent accidents, falsely claimed the pre-existing damage was new. This scheme enabled him to collect money from insurers multiple times for the same damages.
2. False Court Filings in Small Claims Cases (2015-2019)
The second scheme took place between September 2015 and November 2019 and involved McNabb filing false documents in several small claims lawsuits. In nine different cases, McNabb falsely claimed that the people he was suing had been properly notified of the lawsuits, when in fact they were not. This allowed McNabb to argue his cases in court without giving the defendants the opportunity to respond, resulting in fraudulent judgments in his favor.
Through these actions, McNabb defrauded 15 individuals and one business. His efforts to enforce these fraudulent judgments led to charges being filed against him in 2019.
Sentencing and Legal Consequences
McNabb was convicted on 15 counts of fraud and is currently being held without bail. At his sentencing next month, he faces over 17 years in prison. Prosecutors are seeking a substantial sentence to hold McNabb accountable for his calculated efforts to defraud both individuals and businesses.
A Victory for Justice
District Attorney Cynthia Zimmer emphasized the significance of the case, noting that McNabb’s conviction serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting individuals and businesses from fraudulent activities. “This conviction brings closure to those who were victimized by his fraudulent schemes,” Zimmer said.
McNabb’s conviction is the result of extensive investigation by law enforcement and prosecutors who worked to uncover his deceptive actions and bring him to justice.