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D.A. Seth Williams said on Wednesday that the nine have been charged with Insurance Fraud and Attempted Theft by Deception.
According to investigators, the incident involved a SugarHouse Casino trolley back on May 7th in which the trolley grazed mirrors with a SEPTA bus at 7th and Market streets.
Williams said surveillance video from the trolley showed that none of the passengers made any sudden movements in the minor accident.
Furthermore, Williams said, several of the passengers can be heard laughing and talking about the casino's "deep pockets."
The trolley was not damaged in the crash, investigators said.
However, nine of the passengers still filed personal injury claims against the trolley company, Williams said.
All of the suspects alleged serious, even traumatic bodily injuries as a result of the accident, Williams said, and they also sought medical treatment for their injuries. Some allegedly claimed to be in severe pain.
All nine defendants turned themselves into the District Attorney's Office and have been arraigned.
The suspects, all from Philadelphia, are identified as:
54-year-old Wanda Bouie of Ella Street
49-year-old Richard Coleman of Winton Street
54-year-old Vanessa Foreman of Hemberger Street
68-year-old Gwendolyn Freeman of Moore Street
66-year-old Martha Holman of 32nd Street
49-year-old Christina Pullo of 10th Street
30-year-old George Senick, Jr. of 2nd Street
63-year-old Marion Alston of Porter Street
53-year-old Kimberly Welton of Winton Street
Insurance Fraud and Attempted Theft by Deception are both felonies of the third degree, punishable by up to seven years in prison and/or a fine of $15,000.
