Rockwell Man Charged with Unlicensed Public Adjusting, Insurance Fraud

DES MOINES, Iowa — A Rockwell man is facing multiple charges following an investigation by the Iowa Insurance Division’s Fraud Bureau.

Joseph Starr, 39, was charged March 24, 2026, with two counts of acting as a public adjuster without a license and one count of insurance fraud—presenting false information, a Class D felony.

According to criminal complaints, Starr was employed by Sibling Construction and is accused of performing multiple acts of unlicensed public adjusting. Authorities allege Starr negotiated insurance claims on behalf of clients with Farm Bureau Financial Services and Osage Insurance, actions that would have financially benefited both himself and his employer.

Investigators also allege Starr submitted invoices seeking payment for work that had not yet been completed.

Starr was arrested March 27 and booked into the Cerro Gordo County Jail.

Under Iowa law, contractors who complete repair work are prohibited from acting as public adjusters on related insurance claims. A list of licensed public adjusters in Iowa is available through the Iowa Insurance Division’s website.

Officials said no further information will be released at this time.