A group of individuals involved in a staged auto collision targeting a rideshare driver in San Bernardino, CA, has received felony convictions following an investigation by the Inland Empire Automobile Insurance Fraud Task Force. The case highlights the continued efforts of the California Department of Insurance to address organized collision fraud and encourage the public to document and report suspicious crashes.
Summary of the Case
Authorities reported that on November 23, 2024, a staged collision occurred on the I-215 in San Bernardino. Investigators found that the suspects ordered a rideshare and then coordinated with a second vehicle to intentionally strike the rideshare driver’s car. The suspects planned to file bodily injury claims in order to collect an insurance payout. The incident initially appeared to be a hit and run, but the rideshare driver later suspected intentional harm and reported this information.
After an extensive investigation, five individuals faced charges connected to the scheme. Four of them pleaded no contest to felony charges between September 30 and October 30, 2025. One defendant continues to face charges and has an upcoming court date in 2026.
Key Facts About the Investigation and Charges
Initial Arrests and Discovery
Investigators identified the first group of suspects shortly after the staged crash.
Ledontae Pope, 30, and Kalil Davis, 27, were arrested on January 24, 2025. Both faced charges of insurance fraud and assault with a deadly weapon.
John Murillo, 37, drove the vehicle that struck the rideshare car.
Deshawn Perater Nickson, 26, owned the vehicle Murillo used.
The suspects claimed injuries at the scene and traveled by ambulance to the hospital.
The California Highway Patrol reported the incident to the task force after learning the rideshare driver believed the collision was intentional.
Additional Charges and Arrests
During the investigation, authorities issued additional search warrants that revealed two more suspects.
Murillo and co-conspirator Klydale Moses, 24, were arrested on May 19, 2025, on felony charges related to insurance fraud and knowingly causing or participating in a vehicle collision or insurance claim.
Moses was not inside either vehicle but was identified as a participant in the scheme.
Prior Criminal History
At the time of their arrests, two of the original three suspects were on probation. Their previous convictions included narcotics trafficking, assault with a deadly weapon, and felony possession of a firearm.
No Contest Pleas and Sentences
Between late September and late October 2025, four defendants pleaded no contest:
Pope pleaded no contest to knowingly causing or participating in a vehicle collision or insurance claim and assault by means of force likely to produce great bodily injury. He received a 90-day county jail sentence and two years of felony probation.
Davis pleaded no contest to insurance fraud and assault with a deadly weapon. He received a 180-day county jail sentence and two years of felony probation.
Murillo pleaded no contest to knowingly causing or participating in a vehicular collision or insurance claim. He agreed to a two-year state prison term and remains in custody awaiting sentencing.
Moses pleaded no contest to insurance fraud and received a 90-day county jail sentence and two years of felony probation.
Ongoing Case for Perater Nickson
Perater Nickson was arrested on January 24, 2025, for insurance fraud and assault with a deadly weapon. His case remains active. While in custody, on March 13, 2025, he received additional charges of false imprisonment, pimping, and pandering based on evidence gathered during the investigation. His next court date is January 26, 2026.
Agencies Involved
The Inland Empire Automobile Insurance Fraud Task Force includes peace officers from:
California Department of Insurance
San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office
Riverside County District Attorney’s Office
California Highway Patrol
The San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case.
Public Reporting Encouraged
The California Department of Insurance urges the public to document and report suspicious collisions. Individuals who believe they may be victims of a staged crash should:
Request a police report
Document as much information as possible
Use a phone to photograph or record post-collision damage
Ask responding peace officers to identify all individuals involved
Report suspicious incidents by calling 800-927-4357 or visiting insurance.ca.gov.
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