Two Sentenced in North Providence Insurance Scam

PROVIDENCE, RI—Robert A. Ricci, 50, a contractor and former hearing officer for the Rhode Island Contractor’s Registration and Licensing Board, and Lori A. Sergiacomi, a/k/a Tanya Cruise, 49, a former on-air Providence radio personality were sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Providence for their role in an insurance scam uncovered by the FBI during an unrelated investigation into public corruption in North Providence. Both previously pled guilty as charged, along with two others, with participating in a conspiracy to defraud an insurance company of nearly $50,000.

U.S. District Court Chief Judge Mary M. Lisi sentenced Ricci to two years’ probation, the first four months to be served in home confinement; 200 hours community service; restitution in the amount of $1,000; and a fine of $1,000. Sergiacomi was sentenced by Judge Lisi to three years’ probation, the first four months to be served at the McGrath House in Boston followed by four months home confinement; 200 hours community service; restitution in the amount of $40, 012.68; and a fine of $2,000. The sentences were announced by United States Attorney Peter F. Neronha.

Former North Providence town councilman John A. Zambarano, a residential contractor and owner of Zam’s Carpeting, Inc; and Vincent O. DiPaolo of Johnston, an unlicensed public insurance adjuster and owner of VDP United Consultants, Inc., also pled guilty in this matter. Zambarano is currently serving a 71 month sentence in federal prison for his role in this matter and in the North Providence political corruption kickback case. DiPaolo is scheduled to be sentenced on October 27, 2011.

According to court documents and information previously presented to the court by Assistant U.S. Attorneys John P. McAdams and Terrence P. Donnelly, it was alleged that the four conspired and devised a scheme in which an insurance claim would be filed to repair uninsured flood damage to Sergiacomi’s home in March 2010. Additional damage was intentionally caused to the roof and interior of Sergiacomi’s home and in-ground swimming pool. All of the damage was then attributed to a fictitious wind and rain storm in April 2010. Sergiacomi’s insurance claim for nearly $50,000 also included money to be used for home improvement projects.