False Damage Claims Lead to Jail Time for Texas Couple

A North Texas couple have been sentenced to prison for their part in a conspiracy to defraud the city of Garland, Texas, of nearly $2 million by filing fraudulent damage claims against the municipality. Kenneth Wayne Brown, 51, and his wife, Lea Michele Brown, 47, both of Westminster, Texas, were sentenced by Chief U.S. District Judge Sidney Fitzwater to 42 months and 34 months, respectively, in federal prison, according to U.S. Attorney Sarah R. Saldaña. In addition, Judge Fitzwater ordered that Kenneth Brown pay $304,553, and Leah Brown $142,554, in restitution.