OXFORD – A pair of Oxford residents are facing misdemeanor charges of sixth degree conspiracy, fourth degree attempted insurance fraud and second degree reckless endangerment after allegedly staging an automobile accident in the Town of Norwich yesterday.

According to the Chenango County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to a motor vehicle accident at the intersection of Lower Ravine and Preston Center roads at approximately 6 p.m. Wednesday. During the course of their investigation, the vehicle’s occupants – Scott Brazee and Elizabeth Gatlin – admitted to exiting the vehicle prior to the accident. It’s alleged that Brazee placed the vehicle in drive and intentionally directed it in the direction of a tree, jumping out before crashing it into the tree.