Donald A. Ennis, a 43-year-old resident of St. Albans, West Virginia, has been sentenced to two years and nine months in prison for committing federal fraud crimes. Following his prison term, Ennis will serve three years of supervised release and must pay $513,072.28 in restitution after pleading guilty to two counts of wire fraud.
Court documents reveal that Ennis set fire to his own residence on February 15, 2021, and falsely reported it as an accident to his insurance company based in Indiana. He filed fraudulent claims between February 21 and March 19, 2021, receiving $347,237.70 from the insurance provider as part of this scheme.
Ennis also admitted to defrauding a volunteer fire department where he worked as finance and operations manager from at least 2009 through 2022. He misappropriated $153,728 by making unauthorized ATM withdrawals and online purchases using the department’s debit card.
Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston stated: “This prosecution sends an important and firm message that those who commit arson for financial gain will be prosecuted and brought to justice.” She emphasized the risk posed by the fire to first responders and neighbors and noted the deprivation of vital funds from the volunteer fire department.
The investigation was conducted by several agencies including the West Virginia State Auditor’s Office Public Integrity and Fraud Unit (PIFU), the West Virginia Offices of the Insurance Commissioner-Special Investigations Division, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The sentence was imposed by United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin with Assistant United States Attorney Erik S. Goes prosecuting the case.
Further details can be accessed through related court documents available on PACER under Case No. 2:24-cr-129.
