Hit-and-run insurance fraud investigation involving Sewickley fire chief settled

Cochran Hose Company chief Shayne Quinn and a Coraopolis woman have plead guilty to summary charges in connection with an Allegheny County Police insurance fraud investigation.

Charges stem from an incident on March 24 in front of the fire station in Sewickley.

Preliminary hearings took place in District Judge James J. Hanley Jr.’s courtroom on May 3.

According to the criminal complaint, security video from the station shows Monica Hinda, 27, go through a stop sign and crash into a parked vehicle at about 11:33 p.m. along Chestnut Street, then moving her car across the street to the station.

Quinn can be seen on camera a short time later at the fire station, court documents read.

The complaint states Quinn picked up what appeared to be a piece of Hinda’s car, put it in the car and drove away while Hinda and another person drive away in the fire chief’s truck.

Quinn was charged with misdemeanor counts of tampering with physical evidence and hindering apprehension or prosecution as well as a summary charge of giving false information.

A court clerk said the chief plead guilty to the summary offense after it was moved to traffic court, and the two misdemeanors were withdrawn. Quinn was to pay about $546, including a $200 fine.

When reached earlier this month about the case, Quinn likened the charge to a parking ticket and said he had to pay a fine and court costs. He said he was glad the case was over and declined further comment.

He said there was no disciplinary action from the fire company as a result of the investigation.

Hinda was charged with a felony count of insurance fraud as well as summary traffic violations of failure to perform duties at stop signs and accidents involving damage to unattended vehicles.

A court clerk said Hinda pleaded guilty to the summary violations after they were moved to traffic court, and the fraud charge was withdrawn. She was ordered to pay a $1,000 civil penalty as well as about $471 in court costs and fines.

Allegheny County Police Public Information Officer Jim Madalinsky said via email the decision to withdraw the charges was made by Allegheny County District Attorney Stephen A. Zappala Jr.’s office.

Messages left with the district attorney’s office were not returned by press time.