The prosecutor’s office has opted not to pursue a charge of evidence tampering in connection with a hit-and-crash that left an 88-year-old man with a broken neck.
Natem James Stonic, 31, is still facing a charge of insurance fraud in connection with the August accident on the Florida Turnpike at the U.S. 301 exit in Wildwood. Theodore Chalifoux of Parkwood Oaks in Wildwood, suffered a broken neck and numerous broken bones in the accident. He had been discharged from the hospital and was being cared for in the Lady Lake home of his daughter, Jacqueline Chalifoux. However, she said Wednesday that he has worsened and has been readmitted to the hospital. She played a pivotal role in helping the Florida Highway Patrol investigate the accident in which her father was injured. You can read more about that HERE.
Stonic had reported that his vehicle had been damaged Aug. 4 on the Florida Turnpike in a hit-and-run accident. He filed a claim with his insurance company, USAA. However, Stonic had provided conflicting information, according to an an arrest report from FHP.
“As to the charge of Evidence Tampering, merely moving the vehicle from the accident location is insufficient to establish the necessary elements beyond and to the exclusion of every reasonable doubt,” the prosecutor’s office said in a document filed Dec. 7 in Lake County Court.
A grand theft charge that Stonic had also faced will be considered part of the insurance fraud charge, court documents indicated.
As a result of the prosecutor’s decision, Stonic has been refunded $4,000 in bond money. He remains free on $2,000 bond.
