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Thirteen people have been charged with auto insurance fraud in connection with what Massachusetts police say was a staged accident that resulted in more than $76,000 in insurance payouts.

Lawrence, Massachusetts Police Chief John Romero said it’s the most people charged in connection with a single incident since a state-wide crackdown on insurance fraud began six years ago.

Ten of the 13 charged claim they were in a van that was rear-ended on a ramp to Interstate 495 in North Andover in May 2003. The “runner” who allegedly set up the crash, the owner of the van and the driver of another vehicle that hit the van were also charged.

The state began a crackdown on insurance fraud following the 2003 death of a 65-year-old great-grandmother in a staged crash.

Topics Auto Fraud Law Enforcement Massachusetts