MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - A contractor inspecting hail damage after a storm in 2022 was accused of intentionally damaging homes to increase the insurance payouts.
What we know:
Jasir Munir Zaabri pled guilty last week to one third-degree count of damage to property, which is a gross misdemeanor.
His conviction will be downgraded to a misdemeanor if he completes community service and complies with all court orders.
Several felony counts of insurance fraud were dismissed as part of the plea agreement.
Prosecutors said he intentionally damaged roofs and gutters with his cell phone while inspecting at least six homes in Hennepin County after a hail storm in 2022.
It was part of a scheme to "fraudulently generate or increase payouts of up to $86,000 for "storm damage repairs," according to the criminal complaint.
In an email to FOX 9, Zaabri said his plea agreement does not include an admission that he participated in any sort of broader insurance "scheme."
The guilty plea related to the "intentional damage" of property at one home in Hennepin County in 2022, according to Zaabri.
"I did not admit to damaging roofs or gutters, using a cell phone to cause damage, inspecting or damaging multiple homes," he added in a separate email.
What they're saying:
One homeowner alerted police after getting a "funny feeling" about the damage that was reported.
The insurance company later found all the damage was within standing reach of the contractor.
Investigators obtained video from a neighbor’s Ring doorbell camera showing Zaabri causing the damage with his cell phone, according to court records.
Zaabri called the allegations "really petty" when confronted by police, according to the charging document.
What's next:
Zaabri now lives in California, where he will serve 180 hours of community service.
He also agreed to pay restitution and no longer conduct construction or insurance-related work in Minnesota.