April 4, 2025 | JacobiJournal.com — Pennsylvania Woman Charged: A woman from Pennsylvania now faces insurance fraud charges after claiming wind damage to her barn, even though a reality TV crew had already taken it apart.
TV Deal Leads to Investigation
Tracey Jeffreys, 63, from the Milton area, initially struck a deal with the Discovery Channel’s “Barnwood Builders”. The show planned to dismantle her old barn and use the wood in a reconstruction project.
However, after inspecting the structure in 2022, the crew found part of the wood was infested with powder post beetles. As a result, they decided to salvage only some usable sections, and Jeffreys received $20,000 for the materials.
$100K Insurance Claim Raises Suspicions
Soon after the transaction, Jeffreys submitted a $100,000 claim to Donegal Mutual Insurance, stating that strong winds had knocked down part of the barn.
Yet, an insurance adjuster couldn’t verify that wind caused the damage.
Weather Records and Witnesses Contradict the Claim
Investigators then checked National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) data. On the day of the supposed damage, wind speeds averaged just 7 mph, far too low to destroy a barn.
In addition, neighbors reported seeing the TV crew take the structure apart. The show’s team also confirmed they had dismantled the barn as planned. Pennsylvania Woman Charged
Jeffreys Tries to Backtrack
When confronted, Jeffreys attempted to withdraw her claim. She claimed she had forgotten to tell the crew not to remove the section she now said was damaged by wind.
The Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office has charged her with insurance fraud, and she was released on bail.
For readers who want to learn more about fraud enforcement in Pennsylvania, refer to the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Insurance Fraud Section: Pennsylvania Attorney General – Insurance Fraud.
FAQs: Pennsylvania Woman Charged in Insurance Fraud
Why was the Pennsylvania woman charged with insurance fraud?
She was charged after investigators discovered her $100K insurance claim conflicted with TV crew records and NOAA weather data.
How did the TV show play a role in the case?
The Discovery Channel’s Barnwood Builders dismantled her barn before the alleged storm, exposing her fraudulent claim.
What evidence proved the Pennsylvania woman charged was lying?
NOAA reports showed low wind speeds that day, and witnesses confirmed the TV crew—not a storm—removed the barn.
What penalties could the Pennsylvania woman charged face?
If convicted, she could face fines, restitution, and possible jail time under Pennsylvania’s insurance fraud laws.
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