NORWALK, Connecticut – A business owner from Norwalk, Connecticut has been indicted on six counts of fraud related to his prize insurance business. Kevin Kolenda, the owner of Hole-In-Won LLC, allegedly defrauded dozens of organizations and individuals out of nearly $1 million. Hole-In-Won provided prize insurance for events such as golf tournaments and fishing contests through its website, claiming to be the most successful prize insurance company in the world. The indictment accuses Kolenda of collecting approximately $850,000 in insurance premiums under false pretenses and failing to pay more than $100,000 in prize costs.
The charges were filed by U.S. Attorney Vanessa Roberts Avery and FBI Special Agent Robert Fuller. However, it’s important to note that an indictment does not constitute evidence of guilt. Kolenda is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
According to the indictment, Kolenda’s scheme involved victims, often charitable or civic organizations, purchasing insurance for prizes offered at events. For instance, a golf tournament host might offer a new car as a prize for hitting a hole in one. The victim would sign an insurance contract with Kolenda and pay the premium, with Hole-In-Won promising to pay the insurance claim if there was a winner. If no winner emerged, Kolenda would keep the premium.
The indictment further alleges that Kolenda employed fraudulent techniques to avoid payment when someone did win the insured prize. He would make excuses, refer victims to a non-existent claims department, and threaten victims with legal action and reputational harm. In many cases, victims ended up paying for the prize themselves to avoid further damage.
Each count of wire fraud brought against Kolenda carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. Kolenda appeared in court, pleaded not guilty, and was released on a $50,000 bond.
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