Fundraising hostess accused of $20m AIG insurance fraud now held on intimidation charges

Five family members arrested, seized Ferraris and now a jail term for contempt

Insurance News

By

When Claire Risoldi was arrested for insurance fraud she made the headlines for all the wrong reasons. Police swooped after a fire at Clairemont, the eponymous mansion she owned in New Hope. It was the third fire at the property in 5 years.
 
AIG had already paid out $20 million for the previous fires and was facing another $20 million in claims including $10 million for jewelry alleged to have been stolen by firefighters.
 
Authorities have already seized nearly $7 million of assets from her family including six Ferraris, two Rolls Royces, and AC Cobra and $4.2 million in jewelry and funds in banks.
 
Risoldi was a high-profile figure in the community, regularly holding extravagant GOP fund-raising events.
 
Last Thursday a Pennsylvania judge ordered the 69 year old to be held for trial on witness intimidation charges.
During a six-hour hearing authorities claimed Risoldi obtained a subpoena from her attorney to harass witnesses that had given evidence to the grand jury that had recommended her arrest.
 
On Friday Thomas Gavin, a Chester County Senior Judge sentenced her to 30 days for contempt of court for using the subpoena to circumvent his order not to approach witnesses.

Keep up with the latest news and events

Join our mailing list, it’s free!