Illinois woman arrested for insurance fraud, filing false police report

WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Ill. — A woman has been arrested and charged with insurance fraud and filing a false police report after an investigation revealed she allegedly staged the theft of her Harley-Davidson motorcycle.

Renee M. Pennell, reported her motorcycle stolen on Nov. 6, 2024. However, investigators discovered that the motorcycle had been traded in at a dealership two days before being reported stolen.

Further investigation revealed that Pennell had signed over the title of the motorcycle to a friend who helped her move out of her residence. Pennell allegedly told the friend to trade or sell the motorcycle.

Pennell was arrested on Feb. 14, 2025, and charged with insurance fraud, a class 2 felony, and filing a false police report.

She was taken into custody at the Williamson County Jail.

The Williamson County Sheriff’s Office credited Williamson County State’s Attorney Ted Hampson for his assistance in the investigation.