Yuniesky Betancourt, a former Major League Baseball infielder, has been arrested and charged with insurance fraud in Miami-Dade County. According to LA News Center, Betancourt is one of four alleged “scam artists” involved in the scheme, which reportedly netted them ,000.
Four Felonies Filed Against Betancourt
Betancourt faces four felony charges: filing false insurance claims, organizing a scheme to defraud, faking an accident, and third-degree grand theft. He was released after posting a ,000 bond and is scheduled to appear at an arraignment hearing on May 13.
Faking a Car Crash
Authorities allege that Betancourt and his accomplices, Maura Perez, Nancy Mercedes Pena, and Abel Vera, orchestrated a fake car crash to collect insurance premiums from Chicago-based insurance firm Kemper. The group’s actions allegedly resulted in the insurance company paying out ,000.
Betancourt’s MLB Career
Betancourt, a 42-year-old Cuban import, played for three MLB teams from 2005 to 2013. He made his MLB debut with the Seattle Mariners in 2005 after defecting from Cuba in 2003. During his MLB career, Betancourt played for the Kansas City Royals, Milwaukee Brewers, and back to Kansas City before returning to Milwaukee for his final season in 2013.
Earnings and International Career
Betancourt earned approximately million during his MLB career. He also played professionally in Japan in 2014 and in Mexico from 2015 to 2018.
