Smith County Woman Guilty Of Federal Violations

         TYLER, TEXAS – A 44-year-old Whitehouse, Texas woman has pleaded guilty to federal violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney John M. Bales.

         Kristi Isom pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit mail fraud today before U.S. Magistrate Judge K. Nicole Mitchell.

         According to information presented in court, in September 2011, Isom solicited an individual to intentionally set fire to and burn a residence on East FM 344 in Whitehouse, Texas.  Isom admitted that she advised the individual of the general habits of the inhabitants of the home so that the individual could set the house on fire while it was unoccupied.  After the residence was set on fire and burned, the owner of the residence filed a claim for insurance proceeds due to damage cause by the fire.  Isom was listed as a co-owner on the insurance policy and admitted that she endorsed a check drawn on the account of “The Hartford Large Loss Organization” in the amount of $2,500.  This check was one of several that were deposited, sent and delivered by mail.  The total claim paid was $89,950.  A federal grand jury returned an indictment on Dec. 18, 2013 charging Isom with federal violations.

         Isom faces up to 20 years in federal prison at sentencing.  A sentencing date has not been set.

         This case is being investigated by the Texas Department of Public Safety, Criminal Investigation Division, the Smith County Sheriff’s Office, Smith County Fire Marshal, U.S. Postal Inspector’s Office and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jim Noble.