The operator of a local firm specializing in filing insurance claims for those with property damage is facing federal criminal charges.
Benjamin Reichel was charged in a criminal information with wire fraud.
The information says Reichel heads Loss Recovery Specialists LLC that is headquartered in Cleveland, Tn.
It says beginning in about March 2018 and continuing into June 2019, he represented that LCS would advocate in behalf of those suffering property damage.
The information says he told clients he charged a fee based on a percentage of the amount paid by the insurance company. It says he advised that the fee would be waived if they used Fernandez Roofing Company to provide repairs. It says he operated that firm and it was named after a family member.
It says Reichel made false claims to property owners and to insurance companies and falsely represent the status of repair work.
The information says clients would send payment to him that would go into a trust account under his control.
It says he "misused the funds in the trust account for, among other things, his own personal and private gain, as well as improper professional expenses.
The government is seeking to confiscate a 2018 Ford F150 Raptor and property at 312 Council Fire Dr.
Kyle Wilson is the prosecutor.