Crime & Safety
Officer of 14th District Arrested for Fraud
Gary Cottrell allegedly used his position as a police officer to accept bribes and commit fraud.
A Philadelphia police officer with the 14th District, Gary Cottrell, was arrested April 19 for allegedly accepting bribes on- and off-duty.
According to a press release from the Philadelphia Police Department, Cottrell, 44, allegedly used his position as a police officer to direct the victim of car accidents to University Collision Centers for repairs. Cottrell allegedly received cash payments for doing so. The police department calls this practice “wreck chasing.”
In addition to wreck chasing, Cottrell also allegedly filed fraudulent claims for damage to his personal vehicles.
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The Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office Insurance Fraud Unit launched an investigation into Cottrell’s practices, which resulted in an arrest Tuesday on charges of Corrupt Organization, Dealing in Proceeds of Unlawful Act, Insurance Fraud, Theft by Deception, Conspiracy and Bribery, according to police.
Cottrell has been an officer with the Philadelphia Police Department for 14 years. He has been placed under a 30-day suspension by Commissioner Charles Ramsey, with intent dismiss.
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