By Caleb Frey

Staff Reporter

LAPLACE – A Hammond man was booked in St. Charles Parish Monday after being arrested on felony charges of insurance fraud and forgery.

The Louisiana State Police Insurance Fraud unit believes that Steven Rivet Jr. used his place of employment in St. Charles Parish to falsify a receipt.

Rivet submitted the phony complaint and receipt to his insurance company with the intention of defrauding them of more than $4,500.

Rivet also presented fraudulent written and oral statements to his insurance company in an attempt to have the claim paid.

Rivet voluntarily surrendered to State Police Investigators Dec. 12 after a felony warrant was issued for his arrest.

The Louisiana State Police have taken a zero-tolerance approach toward its investigations post Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

They are also acting as support for the federal joint task force established by U.S. Attorney Alberto Gonzalez.

The purpose of the task force is to deter, investigate and prosecute disaster-related crimes such as insurance fraud.

Judge Kirk Granier of the 29th Judicial District set Rivet’s bond at $20,000, which has been posted.