Four people have been convicted in San Bernardino, California, for staging a fake car crash to commit insurance fraud. The scam involved a rideshare driver and was uncovered by local authorities after what appeared to be a hit-and-run incident turned out to be a planned collision.
The case centers around Kalil Davis, 27, from Hesperia, and Ledontae Pope, 30, from San Bernardino, who were arrested for insurance fraud and assault with a deadly weapon linked to the staged crash on January 24. Along with them were John Murillo, 37, of San Bernardino, and Klydale Moses, 24, from Fontana, who were also charged after a search connected them to the scheme. Another individual, Deshawn Perater-Nickson, 26, from Adelanto, was involved as well and is set to appear in court on January 26, 2026.
The scam worked like this: the suspects ordered a rideshare, and while inside the vehicle, Murillo drove his own car into the rideshare. Their plan was to claim injuries and file false insurance claims to collect money. The suspects reported it as a hit-and-run to the California Highway Patrol and even went to the hospital claiming injuries. However, the rideshare driver grew suspicious and reported his doubts to the authorities, prompting a deeper investigation by the Inland Empire Automobile Insurance Fraud Task Force.
It was later revealed that some of the suspects were already on probation for unrelated crimes, including illegal firearm possession, drug trafficking, and previous assaults. Following their arrests, Davis pleaded no contest to insurance fraud and assault and was sentenced to six months in jail plus two years of felony probation. Pope received 90 days in jail and two years probation after a no-contest plea for causing the crash and assault. Moses also pleaded no contest to insurance fraud, landing a 90-day jail term and probation. Murillo admitted to causing the collision but remains in custody without sentencing.
Perater-Nickson was initially arrested for assault and fraud connected to the incident. Later, while in custody, he was convicted on unrelated charges including pimping and false imprisonment.
This case highlights how some criminals try to exploit ridesharing services for financial gain, putting innocent drivers and passengers at risk. Authorities continue to crack down on such fraudulent activities to protect both the public and honest insurers.