BALTIMORE — A former Maryland attorney has pleaded guilty to felony insurance fraud according to the Maryland Attorney General.
According to officials, 48-year-old James P. Wu was a licensed attorney in November 2014 who represented four insurance claimants that reported injuries when a hit-and-run driver allegedly struck the rear of their vehicles. Following an investigation, the Maryland Insurance Administration and the Attorney General found that the accidents had been staged by the claimants and an additional conspirator.
One cooperating claimant informed Wu on two occasions that the collision was "orchestrated" or "fake" but despite knowing the information, Wu misappropriated $7,800 in insurance benefits paid by the insurance company to settle the claim.
Wu has been sentenced to two years probation and ordered $4,140 in restitution. The $3,660 was returned to the insurance company immediately after it was received by the cooperating claimant.
Wu was also disbarred after an investigation.
