North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey today announced the arrest of Aaron Steward, 21, of 1936 Center Hill Highway, Hertford. Steward was charged with felony insurance fraud and felony attempting to obtain property by false pretense.
According to the arrest warrant, Steward made a false statement to National General Insurance Co. when filing a claim, saying that his vehicle had been stolen and that he did not know who took it. The warrant says the vehicle was actually used in a robbery and a conspiracy in which Steward was involved. The attempted false pretense charge stems from an attempt to obtain payment from the insurance company by falsely reporting the vehicle stolen.
The offenses occurred between Oct. 10, 2017, and May 1, 2018.
Special agents from the N.C. Department of Insurance’s Criminal Investigations Division arrested Steward in Perquimans County on May 22. He was placed under $1,000 unsecured bond.
Insurance fraud costs American consumers approximately $80 billion dollars a year. According to Commissioner Causey, fraud costs North Carolinians between 15 and 20 cents of every dollar paid on insurance premiums -- and it’s getting worse.
“I am determined to stem the tide of insurance fraud in this state in order to save residents money,” said Commissioner Causey. “That’s why I am dedicated to the mission of our NCDOI law enforcement officers who investigate and prosecute claims of insurance and bail bonding fraud.”
To report suspected fraud, contact the N.C. Department of Insurance Criminal Investigation Division at 919-807-6840. Callers may remain anonymous. Information is also available at www.ncdoi.gov/fraud-control.