"This is not a victimless crime," Williams said. "All Philadelphia consumers are affected."
Among the 11 charged as a result of the 13-month undercover probe were:
- Edward Hildebrandt, 41, of Philadelphia, owner of University Collision.
- David Coleman, 41, of Chadds Ford, Delaware County, the company's manager.
- Michael B. Wolf, 52, of Phoenixville, Chester County, a lawyer with a regional practice. Wolf allegedly advised Hildebrandt in the fraud and also filed several phony personal injury claims with his help.
- Philadelphia Police Officer Gary Cottrell, 44, a 15-year veteran of the force assigned to the 14th District in Germantown and Chestnut Hill. Cottrell allegedly was a "wreck chaser" who traveled throughout the city, often in uniform, to direct accident victims to University Collision.
- The seven appraisers included four from Philadelphia: Arthur Juliano, 35; Addaie Amankwaaw, 30; Cheryl Stanton, 55; and Steve Wilkinson, 52. The others were from South Jersey: Dave Robertson, 44, and John Howell, 65, both of Cherry Hill, and Richard Reilly, 38, of Mullica Hill.
Assistant District Attorney Vicki Markovitz said the appraisers were independent and reviewed damage claims for most major insurers.
Assistant District Attorney David Augenbraun of the insurance fraud unit said other arrests were likely, including of customers who knowingly allowed false claims to be filed.
"The customers may not feel like victims," Augenbraun said, "but if they are caught, they will be in very substantial trouble."
An undercover detective posing as a customer agreed to an inflated repair bill of $4,600, according to Augenbraun. University allegedly kicked back $200 to the customer, calling it a refund.
