A man involved in a fraudulent auto insurance scheme has been sentenced by an Arapahoe County District Court judge. Shawn Brassfield, 55, from Aurora, was given eight years of probation and ordered to pay over $23,344 in restitution. He is also required to complete 80 hours of community service.
The case dates back to 2020 when Brassfield assisted Colette Palin, a former employee of Travelers Insurance, in committing fraud. An internal investigation by Travelers raised suspicions about several claims made by Palin. It was discovered that Brassfield was the beneficiary of two claim checks issued by Palin.
When confronted, Palin admitted to issuing fraudulent payments to herself, Brassfield, and another associate named Malee Lor. The Financial Fraud Unit in the Criminal Justice Section of the Colorado Department of Law took up the case after it was referred by Travelers. The state’s investigation revealed that between 2018 and 2020, Palin issued 64 fraudulent payments totaling $268,530. Of this amount, Brassfield received $23,344 while Lor received $31,495.
Palin confessed that her actions were motivated initially by her sister’s medical bills and later by her own gambling debts. She pleaded guilty to felony theft and fraud charges in June and is set for sentencing on August 19.
Attorney General Phil Weiser commented on the case: “We all end up footing the bill when people engage in insurance fraud.” He emphasized the department's commitment to holding those accountable who engage in such activities: “This case sends a clear message to fraudsters—if you think you can get away with fraud, think again.”
All three defendants were charged with felony theft and insurance fraud in Arapahoe County District Court last year and subsequently pleaded guilty. Lor received a sentence of 10 years probation along with 120 hours of community service on May 6. Like Brassfield, she will pay restitution equivalent to the stolen amount.
Brassfield’s case number is 23CR2481.
Residents of Colorado who suspect any form of insurance fraud or scams are encouraged to report them through StopFraudColorado.gov.