Rockwell Man Charged with Insurance Fraud and Unlicensed Adjusting

Authorities allege Joseph Starr negotiated claims on behalf of clients while also acting as a contractor.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 9:31pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a crumpled insurance document or claim form, its edges and textures dramatically lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually representing the investigative nature of this insurance fraud case.A damaged insurance document illuminated by a harsh flash evokes the gritty realities of alleged insurance fraud.Rockwell Today

A 39-year-old Rockwell, Iowa man named Joseph Starr has been charged with two counts of acting as a public adjuster without a license and one count of insurance fraud for allegedly negotiating insurance claims on behalf of clients while also working as a contractor, actions that would financially benefit both himself and his employer Sibling Construction.

Why it matters

This case highlights the importance of verifying licensed public adjusters, as Iowa law prohibits contractors from acting as public adjusters on the same insurance claims they are working on. Insurance fraud can drive up costs for all consumers, so authorities are cracking down on these types of alleged schemes.

The details

According to criminal complaints, Joseph Starr is accused of performing unlicensed public adjusting work while also acting as a contractor. Investigators allege he negotiated insurance claims on behalf of clients with both Farm Bureau Financial Services and Osage Insurance, actions that would financially benefit both himself and his employer. Officials further allege that Starr submitted invoices seeking payment for work that had not yet been completed.

  • On March 24, 2026, Joseph Starr was charged with two counts of acting as a public adjuster without a license and one count of insurance fraud.
  • On March 27, 2026, Starr was arrested and booked into the Cerro Gordo County Jail.

The players

Joseph Starr

A 39-year-old Rockwell, Iowa resident who was charged with insurance fraud and unlicensed adjusting.

Iowa Insurance Division's Fraud Bureau

The state agency that investigated the alleged crimes and brought charges against Joseph Starr.

Sibling Construction

The construction company that employed Joseph Starr, where he allegedly performed unlicensed public adjusting work.

Farm Bureau Financial Services

An insurance company that Joseph Starr is accused of negotiating claims with while acting as an unlicensed public adjuster.

Osage Insurance

Another insurance company that Joseph Starr is accused of negotiating claims with while acting as an unlicensed public adjuster.

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What’s next

The case remains under investigation, and authorities say no additional details will be released at this time. Anyone with information related to insurance fraud is encouraged to contact the Iowa Insurance Division's Fraud Bureau at 515-654-6556.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of verifying licensed public adjusters and the risks of insurance fraud, which can drive up costs for all consumers. Authorities are cracking down on these types of alleged schemes to protect the public.