BOISE, ID – The Idaho Department of Insurance (DOI) announced that two Idaho residents have pled guilty to insurance fraud in connection with a scheme to obtain coverage for three classic vehicles that were destroyed by fire.
On January 26, 2026, Tanner Evans, a licensed insurance agent from Pocatello, pled guilty to one count of insurance fraud. On February 9, 2026, David Lenon of Bellevue also pled guilty to one count of insurance fraud involving the same claim.
An investigation conducted by the DOI Fraud Unit revealed that, in the early morning hours of November 28, 2022, a fire destroyed a large shop on Lenon’s property in Bellevue, Idaho. The shop housed three classic vehicles which at the time were uninsured due to lapsed coverage resulting from non-payment of premiums months earlier.
During the fire, Lenon contacted his nephew, Evans, seeking assistance in reinstating the lapsed policies. Evans admitted that Lenon called him while the fire was still burning. The policies could not be reinstated. However, Evans issued a new policy covering all three vehicles for $200,000, effective November 28, 2022, at 9:59 AM—almost six hours after the fire was reported.
Approximately one month later, Lenon submitted a claim for the vehicles, falsely reporting the date and time of loss as November 29, 2022, at 4:00 PM, roughly 36 hours after the actual fire. Lenon knowingly attempted to collect benefits under the new policy, despite being aware that the fire occurred prior to its effective date. Evans also knowingly issued coverage for vehicles that had already been destroyed.
Tanner Evans received a sentence of 1 year fixed (suspended) and 1 year indeterminate, with 2 years of supervised probation, 250 hours of community service, and court fines and restitution. Evans’ insurance license has been revoked by the Idaho Department of Insurance.
David Lenon received a sentence of 2 years fixed (suspended) and 1 year indeterminate, with 3 years of supervised probation, restitution and the maximum fine allowed of $15,000.
“Fraud undermines trust in the insurance system, and it drives up premiums for honest Idahoans,” said Dean L. Cameron, Director of the Idaho Department of Insurance. “Our department will continue to hold individuals accountable so families and businesses can rely on fair and affordable coverage.”
Source: Idaho Department of Insurance
AgencyEquity statement on this article:
Some of the statements in this third party article may be forward-looking statements and perhaps even inaccurate statements. AgencyEquity or Strategic Agencies LLC does not make any representation or warranty, express or implied, as to the accuracy, completeness, or updated status of such statements. Therefore, in no case whatsoever will AgencyEquity or Strategic Agencies LLC be liable to anyone for any decision made or action taken in conjunction with the information and/or statements in this press release or for any related damages.
