Public Adjuster Charged with Insurance Fraud in Pennsylvania and New Jersey

Michael Joseph Breitenbach, owner of Patriot Public Adjusting, is accused of misappropriating over $82,000 from insurance claims meant for his clients, including elderly homeowners in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. The Bucks County District Attorney's office, under Joe Khan, charged Breitenbach with multiple felonies such as insurance fraud, theft by deception, forgery, and deceptive business practices.

The allegations claim Breitenbach, in his role as a public adjuster, received several checks from prominent insurance carriers totaling approximately $82,000 between September 2023 and September 2024. However, he allegedly did not transfer these funds to his clients or their contractors, with reports of clients’ signatures being forged on the checks. As a result, clients missed out on funds intended for storm and water damage repairs.

The district attorney's office has discovered at least four victims affected by this fraud and suggests there may be more who have yet to come forward. They are actively encouraging anyone with relevant information to contact their office to ensure comprehensive compliance with fraud investigations and regulatory protocols.