Sumter man was ‘jump-in passenger’ in insurance fraud claim that paid him $2,000, SLED says

SLED has charged the final of three suspects in a false insurance claim filed in February 2025. 

According to an arrest warrant, Matthew Jo Von Coaxum, 45, of Sumter, was a participant as a “jump-in” passenger in a fraudulent insurance claim for vehicle accident made to Progressive Insurance in Richland County. 

Coaxum falsely made, forged or counterfeited a lost wage form for employment at AWP Safety Services, documenting he missed work for 42 days, 13 hours per day at a pay rate of $22 an hour, according to the warrant. 

The amount of lost wages totaled $12,012. 

Following investigations by Progressive and SLED, as well as statements from Coaxum, it was determined he was not working at AWP at the time and was not in the vehicle at the time of the accident. 

Coaxum was paid $2,000, the warrant stated.

On Monday, Aug. 3, SLED charged Coaxum with forgery valued at $10,000 or more and presenting a false claim for insurance payment valued at $10,000 or more.

Coaxum was booked at the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center in Richland County. 

Two women were also charged in connection to the case.

Zanajia Wilson-James, 29, and Tikia Simone Carter, 33, both of Lee County, were each charged with presenting a false claim for insurance payment valued at $10,000 or more. 

 The case will be tried by South Carolina Department of Insurance.