Executive Summary
- James Octavias Tobias Owens, a 34-year-old claims adjuster, was convicted on 10 counts of wire fraud by a federal jury in Orlando.
- Owens defrauded his employer, a regional insurance company, of over $580,000 by reopening settled claims, uploading fabricated estimates, and directing checks to a shell company he controlled.
- Owens faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison for each count, with his sentencing scheduled for December 9, 2025.
Laws and Precedent
- James Octavias Tobias Owens’ conviction on 10 counts of wire fraud highlights the federal government’s prosecution of schemes to defraud using interstate wire communications, a serious federal offense under statutes like 18 U.S.C. § 1343. Each count carries a substantial maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison, reflecting the severity of financial crimes as determined by federal sentencing guidelines, with the case being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s office following a federal indictment.
Orlando, Florida – A federal jury in Orlando has convicted James Octavias Tobias Owens, a 34-year-old claims adjuster from Kissimmee, on 10 counts of wire fraud for orchestrating a scheme that defrauded his employer, a regional insurance company, of more than $580,000. The verdict, delivered on Friday, September 19, 2025, means Owens now faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison for each count, with his sentencing hearing scheduled for December 9, 2025.
The Fraudulent Scheme
Between March 2021 and February 2022, Owens exploited his position as a claims adjuster by systematically reopening claims files that had already been settled and paid out. He would then upload fabricated “comparative estimates” to these files, creating the illusion that additional work had been performed on the properties.
To facilitate the theft, Owens caused checks to be issued on these reopened claims. These checks were directed to a shell company he controlled, which he disguised as a legitimate construction and roofing company. After the checks were issued, Owens would cash them at various ATMs across the Orlando area.
Personal Gain and Investigation
The proceeds from the fraudulent scheme were used by Owens for personal enrichment. Investigations revealed that he spent the illicit funds on a range of luxury items, including designer clothing, jewelry, hotel stays, and vehicle accessories.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation spearheaded the inquiry into Owens’ activities. Assistant United States Attorney Chauncey A. Bratt and Special Assistant United States Attorney Bianca Bansal are prosecuting the case, which began with Owens’ indictment on March 19, 2025.
Looking Ahead
The conviction of James Octavias Tobias Owens highlights the U.S. Attorney’s commitment to prosecuting individuals who defraud businesses through illicit means. Owens now awaits sentencing, where the court will determine the final penalty for his extensive wire fraud scheme.
