Michael Joseph Breitenbach, 53, owner of Patriot Public Adjusting, LLC, was charged after investigators say he misappropriated more than $82,000 in insurance claim funds from clients across both states, according to the Bucks County District Attorney\u2019s Office.<\/p>\n
Breitenbach acted as a public adjuster between September 2023 and September 2024, receiving at least eight checks from major insurers but failing to distribute the money to homeowners or contractors, detectives said.<\/p>\n
In multiple cases, victims reported their signatures were forged on insurance checks and that they never received any of the funds intended to repair storm and water damage to their properties, authorities said.<\/p>\n
Investigators outlined several victims across Pennsylvania and New Jersey, including:<\/p>\n
A Bensalem Township woman who lost nearly $14,000 tied to storm damage.An elderly Montgomery County homeowner defrauded of more than $33,000 after a leak.An elderly Trenton, New Jersey property owner defrauded of more than $18,000.A Hamilton Township, New Jersey woman who lost over $17,000.<\/p>\n
Detectives believe additional victims may exist and are urging anyone with information to come forward.<\/p>\n
Breitenbach, who operated his business out of a residence in Bensalem Township, faces multiple felony counts including insurance fraud, theft by deception, forgery, and deceptive business practices. His preliminary arraignment was held before Magisterial District Judge Joseph P. Falcone.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe complaint alleges that the defendant preyed on people when they were at their most vulnerable, including in the aftermath of storms and property damage,\u201d Bucks County District Attorney Joe Khan said. \u201cThis Office will work tirelessly to stand up for victims of fraud, particularly those who are elderly and being targeted like this.\u201d<\/p>\n
The case was investigated by Bucks County Detective John Agnew and will be prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Alan J. Garabedian, Chief of Economic Crimes and Insurance Fraud.<\/p>\n
Anyone who believes they were victimized or has information is asked to contact Bucks County Detectives at 215-348-6354 or submit a tip through the CRIMEWATCH app.<\/p>\n