Rhonda Keisha Powell, also known as Rhonda Keisha Jackson, 39, of Upper Marlboro, Maryland, has been sentenced to five years of incarceration, with all but 45 days suspended, for felony insurance fraud. Powell pleaded guilty to two counts of insurance fraud on October 29, 2024, after submitting false claims to her insurance company for alleged water damage to her home and personal property.
Powell filed two claims under her USAA renter’s insurance policy, alleging that a broken pipe in her Upper Marlboro home caused extensive flooding and damage to her furniture, electronics, clothing, and jewelry. In her December 2020 claim, Powell received $58,373 from USAA. However, her November 2022 claim for $124,034 was denied after an investigation revealed that the invoices, receipts, and photos she submitted as evidence were fabricated or altered. Investigators also discovered that Powell had never reported any water damage or broken pipes to her landlord, and some of the photos she provided were taken from the internet.
Sentencing and Restitution
On February 20, 2025, Judge Lawrence V. Hill, Jr., of the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County sentenced Powell to five years of incarceration, suspending all but 45 days. Following her incarceration, Powell will be on supervised probation for five years and is required to pay $58,373 in restitution to USAA.
In announcing the sentencing, Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown commended the efforts of his Criminal Division, including Fraud and Corruption Unit Chief Alex Huggins and Assistant Attorney General Michelle Martin, who prosecuted the case. He also thanked Maryland Insurance Administration Investigator Edward Spragg and Forensic Auditor Suzzanne Jones for their investigative work, as well as Prince George’s County State’s Attorney Aisha Braveboy for her support in the prosecution.
“Insurance fraud is a serious crime that undermines the integrity of the system and drives up costs for everyone,” said Attorney General Brown. “This case sends a clear message that those who attempt to defraud insurance companies will be held accountable.”
