PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — The owner of a public adjuster company is facing several charges after officials say he defrauded clients in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
Michael Joseph Breitenbach, 53, owns Patriot Public Adjusting, LLC. He operated out of Bensalem Township and, according to the Bucks County District Attorney’s office, he received eight checks between September 2023 and 2024 from major insurers that totaled to $82,000.
The funds were intended for his clients and contractors to repair storm and water-damaged properties, but there were no payouts. Some even said their signatures were forged.
Authorities said four victims have been identified, including a woman in Hamilton Township, New Jersey, who was defrauded of $17,000, and a woman in Montgomery County, who was ripped off $33,000 after a leak in her home.
Breitenbach faces charges including theft by deception, forgery and deceptive business practices.
Officials believe there may be more victims. If you have any information on Breitenbach or his company, contact Bucks County Detectives at 215-348-6354.
Officials believe there could be more victims
