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Four Southern California drivers arraigned in alleged staged crash scheme that endangered innocent driver
Plain English Summary
Four drivers in Southern California have been charged in a scheme where they staged car crashes to collect insurance money, putting innocent drivers at risk. The defendants, who are friends, intentionally crashed their vehicles and sought medical attention to make their injuries seem real. This investigation, led by the Inland Empire Automobile Insurance Fraud Task Force, uncovered that they had targeted an innocent driver in a separate incident as well.
Insurance agents should be aware of this case as it highlights the dangers of staged accidents and the importance of reporting any suspicious claims or incidents. If you suspect a client may have been involved in a staged crash, encourage them to contact the California Department of Insurance.
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News: 2026 Press ReleaseFor Release: May 27, 2026Media Calls Only: 916-492-3566Email Inquiries: cdipress@insurance.ca.gov
LOS ANGELES— Four Southern California drivers were arraigned today in an alleged staged collision scheme that endangered an innocent driver and is tied to coordinated insurance fraud. The defendants include: Jhoiner Rodriguez Celis, 31, of Anaheim, Melissa Cervantes De La Torre, 30, of Upland, Nailer Mendez Diaz, 35, of Anaheim, and Plata Sampayo, 28, of Upland.
The arraignment follows an investigation by the Inland Empire Automobile Insurance Fraud Task Force, which includes the California Department of Insurance, California Highway Patrol, the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office, and the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office.
“Staged collisions are not victimless crimes. They can leave innocent drivers physically, emotionally, and financially impacted,” said Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara. “The work our Inland Empire Automobile Insurance Fraud Task Force is doing is essential in keeping California drivers safe. We will continue to work with our partners to protect innocent consumers from being targeted in fraud schemes.”
The investigation, “All You Can Claim,” began after the Upland Police Department contacted the task force after they suspected multiple crashes of being staged for insurance payouts. Detectives determined the defendants were friends and found that on June 8, 2025, they staged a collision in Upland by intentionally crashing into one another. Further investigation revealed, on April 21, 2025, Plata Sampayo and Cervantes De La Torre caused a separate collision in Montclair where they targeted an innocent driver who was not connected to the scheme.
Detectives reviewedbody-worn camera footagefrom the Upland Police Department related to the June 8 collision, which shows officers arriving at the scene after the crash where Plata Sampayo and Cervantes De La Torre were in a vehicle that struck another vehicle occupied by Rodriguez Celis and Mendez Diaz. Detectives determined all four sought medical attention after the crash in an attempt to legitimize their alleged injuries and increase insurance payouts. The estimated loss in this case was $36,000.
The task force, Department of Insurance detectives, Upland Police Department SWAT team, and Riverside County District Attorney’s Office Bureau of Investigation executed search warrants at four locations and arrested the defendants on March 19, 2026. Plata Sampayo also had an outstanding warrant for robbery out of Los Angeles County. All were booked at the West Valley Detention Center.
On May 26, 2026, the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office filed felony insurance fraud charges against all four defendants. Cervantes De La Torre and Plata Sampayo were additionally charged with assault with a deadly weapon in connection with the April 21 collision involving the innocent driver.
The Department believes there may be additional victims connected to this group. Anyone who believes they may have been involved in a collision with any of the defendants, or who suspects a staged collision, is urged to contact the California Department of Insurance at 909-919-2200. What may appear to be a routine accident could be part of a coordinated fraud scheme targeting innocent drivers.
Led by Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara, the California Department of Insurance is the consumer protection agency for the nation's largest insurance marketplace and safeguards all of the state’s consumers by fairly regulating the insurance industry. Under the Commissioner’s direction, the Department uses its authority to protect Californians from insurance rates that are excessive, inadequate, or unfairly discriminatory, oversee insurer solvency to pay claims, set standards for agents and broker licensing, perform market conduct reviews of insurance companies, resolve consumer complaints, and investigate and prosecute insurance fraud. Consumers are urged to call 1-800-927-4357 with any questions or contact us atwww.insurance.ca.govvia webform or online chat. Non-media inquiries should be directed to the Consumer Hotline at 800-927-4357. Teletypewriter (TTY), please dial 800-482-4833.
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