Mitchell County, IA — After a six-year investigation, a Charles City man has been charged with staging a fake auto accident and arson in an attempt to collect over $70,000 in insurance money.
Zachary Robbins, 39, was arrested on April 4, 2023, following a criminal investigation by the Iowa Insurance Fraud Bureau. Robbins faces several charges, including first-degree arson (a Class B felony), insurance fraud (a Class D felony), and false report of an indictable offense (a serious misdemeanor).
The charges stem from a March 13, 2019 incident when Robbins and an unnamed accomplice allegedly faked a motor vehicle collision at the intersection of Shadow Avenue and 450th Street in Mitchell County. Investigators say the two vehicles were deliberately crashed, and Robbins set his vehicle on fire, causing an explosion that destroyed the car.
Court documents reveal that Robbins lied to both the Mitchell County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) and an insurance company in an effort to collect a substantial payout. Robbins sought more than $70,000 from his insurance provider, claiming damages from the staged incident.
A warrant for his arrest was issued just two days after criminal complaints were filed in March 2022. Robbins was arrested on April 4, 2023, and was released on $2,500 bail the following day.
As of now, no court dates have been scheduled for Robbins in Mitchell County District Court.