Man Arrested for Insurance Fraud After Allegedly Faking RTV Theft in Magnolia

A five-month investigation by the Montgomery County Auto Theft Task Force has led to the arrest of Mark Mangrum for insurance fraud. Mangrum is accused of reporting his 2020 Honda Talon RTV (Rough Terrain Vehicle) stolen and collecting a nearly $30,000 insurance payout, only to later list the same vehicle for sale online.

The investigation began in May 2025. Detectives discovered that in November 2024, Mangrum had reported the RTV stolen to the Walker County Sheriff’s Office and subsequently received a $29,951.00 insurance payout. A few months later, the RTV appeared for sale on social media and various ATV platforms.

The Task Force, in collaboration with a Department of Public Safety agent, located the RTV in a shop at Mangrum’s residence in Magnolia. Mangrum consented to a search of the vehicle, which confirmed it was the same RTV previously reported stolen to Walker County. The RTV was seized and transported to the Auto Theft Task Force impound.

After consulting with the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office, a warrant for insurance fraud was obtained, leading to Mangrum’s arrest and booking into the Montgomery County Jail.

The Montgomery County Auto Theft Task Force is trained and funded by the Texas Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority.