In 8 & 15 Years Jail for Auto Arson in Idaho, Insurance fraud expert witness Barry Zalma writes:
On January 21, 2009, the Idaho Department of Insurance reported that Spencer Jay Maschek and Patrick Anthony Morrissey, 23 were convicted of arson to their vehicles. In February, 2008, Jerome County Sheriff’s Department found a burning vehicle belonging to Maschek. Maschek subsequently filed a claim with his insurance company. Farm Bureau Insurance contacted the Department of Insurance about the suspicious nature of the claim. Twin Falls Police Department discovered that Maschek had asked Morrissey to set the vehicle on fire. Department of Insurance Investigator Jan Heinz gathered information and assisted Twin Falls County Sheriff’s Department and Farm Bureau Insurance in the investigation. Arson and Conspiracy to Commit Arson are felonies punishable by up to 25 years in prison and a $100,000.00 fine.
Morrissey was found guilty of two felony charges, Conspiracy to Commit Arson in the First Degree and Arson in the First Degree. He was sentenced August 5, 2008, to 15 years, five years fixed, for each crime. The sentences will run consecutively. Morrissey was also ordered to pay restitution. Maschek pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Commit First Degree Arson, a felony. He was sentenced January 12, 2009, to eight years in jail.