N.C. Department of Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey announced today the arrest of Wayne Edward Butler Jr., 44, of 16840 Douglas Ave, Laurinburg, N.C. He is charged with one count of Insurance Fraud and one count Obtaining Property by False Pretenses.
Department of Insurance Criminal Investigators accuse Butler of providing false information and statements for continued disability insurance through MetLife Insurance Company and then obtaining funds or payment by means of the false information. Criminal Investigators allege Butler provided the false information and obtained funds from April 2016 through August 2017 in Scotland County, N.C.
Insurance Fraud is a felony offense in North Carolina, a violation of N.C.G.S. 58-2-161, a Class H Felony, Obtaining Property by False Pretense is also a felony in North Carolina, a violation of N.C.G.S 14-100, a Class I Felony.
Butler was arrested Jan. 11, 2018 in Scotland County and was released on a $35,000 unsecured bond. Butler appeared in a Scotland County Court for his first appearance January 12, 2018.
"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 https://www.ncdoi.gov/fraud-control.