A Walnutport man has been charged with submitting fraudulent documents after authorities say he unlawfully obtained more than $30,000 in insurance payouts.

According to an affidavit of probable cause filed by Special Agent James Gallagher of the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office in the case against Christopher Fedder:

On May 1, Gallagher received an insurance fraud referral from a State Farm investigator, who said that Fedder, 37, submitted fraudulent documents to support a property damage claim.

Fedder held a valid homeowner’s policy with State Farm for his rental unit from Feb. 9, 2023, to Feb. 9, 2024. The investigation involved a claim for power surge damage Fedder said occurred on Feb. 1, 2024. Two prior claims were submitted for similar damage, with loss dates of July 24 and Sept. 7, 2023.

Fedder submitted nine invoices from Jack Lehr Heating, Cooling & Electric in support of his claims. However, when contacted, a company representative confirmed the invoices were not authentic and that Fedder was not a customer. The financial manager further verified that all company billing is processed through a single office and provided a genuine invoice for comparison, revealing significant discrepancies.

On Aug. 13, Gallagher interviewed Fedder by phone regarding the claims and invoices. Fedder insisted they were legitimate and provided by company technicians.

Further investigation included a Jan. 17 confirmation from PPL that Fedder’s residence and surrounding area experienced no power outages on the claimed dates. A search warrant served on Blue Ridge Communications confirmed customer assignments for phone numbers listed on the fraudulent invoices.

Gallagher determined that Fedder intentionally submitted falsified documents to receive financial compensation to which he was not entitled. He received $30,973 for two claims, while a third claim for $14,348 was denied.

Fedder faces two counts of theft by deception and one count each of insurance fraud, forgery, and tampering with records or identification. He is free on $25,000 unsecured bail and is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on Thursday before Judge Robert A. Hawke of Walnutport.