By George P. Hassett

The owner of a Somerville auto body shop enhanced the damage to as many as 80 vehicles to collect inflated insurance claims, according to a State Police auto theft task force.

Michael Block, 38, of Natick, was arrested Friday at his shop Motor Sports Inc., at 480-486 Columbia St. and charged with several counts of insurance fraud, malicious destruction of property, forgery, uttering and larceny.

State Police said the investigation is ongoing and could result in additional charges against the target stemming from intentional damage done to dozens of other vehicles.

The investigation began eight months ago and has focused on intentional damage inflicted on more than 80 vehicles, State Police said. More charges are expected. The investigation began with information obtained by the Cambridge Police Department.

Block was arraigned Monday in Somerville District Court and released on $1,000 cash bail. He was ordered to return to court April 12 for a pretrial hearing.