Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey today announced the arrest of Jermaine Walthour, 33, of 905 West Main St., Louisburg; he is charged with one count each of insurance fraud and attempting to obtain property by false pretense.
Department of Insurance criminal investigators accuse Walthour of fraudulently claiming his vehicle was stolen to obtain payment from USAA between July and August 2016. Investigators allege Walthour attempted to burn his vehicle to collect an insurance settlement.
Walthour was arrested on Jan. 2 in Franklin County and released under a $20,000 bond.
An estimated 10 cents of every dollar paid in premiums goes toward the payment of fraudulent claims. The Department of Insurance employs 20 sworn state law enforcement officers dedicated to investigating and prosecuting claims of insurance and bail bonding fraud. To report suspected fraud, contact the Department of Insurance Criminal Investigations Division at 919-807-6840. Callers may remain anonymous. Information is also available at www.ncdoi.gov/fraud-control.