Six Ferraris, Two Rolls-Royces, $1.2 Million In Jewelry Seized in Doylestown Fraud Case

Clockwise from top left: Carla Risoldi, Claire Risoldi, Tom French, Carl Risoldi, Mark Goldman, Sheila Risoldi. Richard Holston mugshot unavailable.

Pennsylvania Attorney General Kathleen Kane has announced the arrest of seven people — five from one family — charged in a massive insurance fraud scheme in Bucks County. The defendants allegedly conspired to bilk insurance companies for over $20 million.

Arrested were Claire Risoldi, her husband Thomas French, son Carl, daughter Carla (a former Bucks County assistant district attorney), and daughter-in-law Sheila, along with private detective Mark Goldman and fabric vendor Richard Holston.

According to the grand jury presentment released by Kane’s office (read the full presentment below), the investigation began in 2013 after a fire at Claire Risoldi’s posh home that she called Clairemont in New Hope. It was the third fire at the property in five years, and AIG Insurance has paid out more than $20 million for claims filed as a result of the fires. According to the Attorney General’s office, another $20 million in claims is pending, including $10 million in jewelry that Claire Risoldi accused firefighters of stealing, accusations that the grand jury found to be false. The grand jury heard from over 80 witnesses and examined more than 100 exhibits.

Here are the exact charges, as provided by the AG:

Claire A. Risoldi, 67, 4940 Danielle Drive, Doylestown, Bucks County, is charged with one count each of: corrupt organizations, attempted theft by deception, receiving stolen property, conspiracy to commit theft by deception, intimidation of witnesses or victims, obstructing the administration of law, tampering with public records, criminal use of a communication facility, false reports to law enforcement and insurance fraud; two counts each of: dealing in proceeds of unlawful activities and theft by deception; and three counts of forgery.

Carl A. Risoldi, 43, 4871 Danielle Drive, Doylestown, Bucks County, is charged with one count each of: corrupt organizations, theft by deception, attempted theft by deception, conspiracy to commit theft by deception, intimidation of witnesses or victims, obstructing the administration of law, tampering with public records, criminal use of a communication facility and false reports to law enforcement; two counts each of: dealing in proceeds of unlawful activities and insurance fraud; and three counts of forgery.

Carla V. Risoldi, 48, 5947 Shetland Drive, Doylestown, Bucks County, is charged with one count each of: corrupt organizations, theft by deception, attempted theft by deception, conspiracy to commit theft by deception, intimidation of witnesses or victims, obstructing the administration of law, tampering with public records, criminal use of a communication facility and false reports to law enforcement; two counts each of: dealing in proceeds of unlawful activities and insurance fraud; and three counts of forgery.

Sheila M. Risoldi, 43, 4871 Danielle Drive, Doylestown, Bucks County, is charged with one count each of: corrupt organizations, theft by deception, attempted theft by deception, intimidation of witnesses or victims, obstructing the administration of law, tampering with public records, criminal use of a communication facility and false reports to law enforcement; two counts each of: dealing in proceeds of unlawful activities, insurance fraud and attempted theft by deception; and three counts of forgery.

Thomas J. French, 64, 4940 Danielle Drive, Doylestown, Bucks County, is charged with one count each of: corrupt organizations, theft by deception, attempted theft by deception, conspiracy to commit theft by deception, intimidation of witnesses or victims, obstructing the administration of law, tampering with public records, criminal use of a communication facility, false reports to law enforcement and insurance fraud; two counts each of: dealing in proceeds of unlawful activities and insurance fraud; and three counts of forgery.

Mark Goldman, 54, 110 Chase Road, Wayne, Chester County, is charged with one count each of: corrupt organizations, theft by deception, attempted theft by deception, conspiracy to commit theft by deception, intimidation of witnesses or victims, obstructing the administration of law, tampering with public records, criminal use of a communication facility and false reports to law enforcement; two counts each of: dealing in proceeds of unlawful activities and insurance fraud; and three counts of forgery.

Richard Holston, 51, 46 Algonquin Trail, Medford, New Jersey, is charged with one count each of: corrupt organizations, insurance fraud, obstructing the administration of law, theft by deception and perjury.

The government has seized close to $7 million in assets as part of the investigation, including six Ferraris, two Rolls-Royces, one Cobra, four vehicles, $1.2 million in jewelry, and $3 million in bank accounts. Following arraignment on Friday, all seven defendants were released after posting $10,000 cash each for bail.

“This family and their co-conspirators stole millions to fund a lifestyle of extravagance and excess,” said Kane in a statement. “Insurance fraud drives up the cost for everyone, including seniors and middle-class families. Even worse, the scheme was facilitated through threats, intimidation and falsely accusing first responders of serious crimes.”