Man Accused Of Staging UTV Theft To File Insurance Claim, KSP Says

MARTIN COUNTY, Ky. (WYMT) – A Martin County man is facing charges after Kentucky State Police say he falsely reported his UTV stolen as part of an attempted insurance fraud scheme.

A Kentucky State Police uniform citation lists Larry A. Delong, of Tomahawk, charged with fraudulent insurance acts — $10,000 or more but less than $1,000,000 and false report of an incident to law enforcement.

According to the post-arrest complaint, troopers were dispatched on May 10 to Delong’s home after he called 911 and reported his 2021 Kawasaki SXS had been stolen. Police say Delong told them he had left the area to go fishing and returned to find the vehicle missing. He also provided photos, a title and insurance information, and told troopers he bought the UTV in 2022 for $12,500 cash and believed it was worth $10,000 or more.

During a neighborhood canvass, troopers say multiple neighbors told them the blue Kawasaki Delong reported stolen had not been seen at his residence for about two weeks and that Delong had recently been driving a different side-by-side. Troopers also say a neighbor disputed Delong’s claim that she had been out of town for a wrestling tournament, telling police it was not wrestling season and her child was playing T-ball.

Police say they returned to Delong’s home and questioned him again. Troopers allege Delong later admitted he had lied and, after being advised of his rights, told them he took the UTV to a site behind his home and left it there, hoping someone would steal it or burn it. Troopers say Delong admitted he waited to report it stolen and intended to file an insurance claim because he didn’t think he could sell it for its actual value.

Delong was charged with fraudulent insurance acts – $10,000 or more, but less than $1,000 and false report of an incident to law enforcement.

He was taken to the Big Sandy Regional Detention Center.