Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey today announced the arrest of David Maylon Pickett, 59, of 205 Queen St., Grifton; he is charged with eleven counts of obtaining property by false pretense and nine counts each of embezzlement and exploitation of an elder.
Department of Insurance criminal investigators accuse Pickett of deceiving elder adults to obtain funds, assets and property. Investigators allege Pickett knowingly embezzled, misapplied and converted other individual’s property for his own use.
Pickett was arrested on July 11 in Wayne County and was placed under an $890,000 bond.
The counties involved to Pickett’s pending offenses are Carteret, Craven, Duplin, Harnett, Jones, Lenoir, Pitt and Wayne. Any persons with information is urged to contact Department Criminal Investigators at 919-807-6840.
"According to the FBI, insurance fraud costs the average family between $400 and $700 per year in the form of increased premiums,” said Commissioner Causey. “Consumer protection is my number one priority and I will continue to fight insurance fraud with your help.”
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.