North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey today announced the arrest of Lashunda Bobbitt, 38, of 1813 Boone St., Rocky Mount. Bobbitt was charged with felony insurance fraud and making a false report to police, which is a misdemeanor.
According to the arrest warrant, Bobbitt filed a false report with Enfield police, saying that she was pulled out of the driver’s seat of a stolen 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer.
Special agents with the N.C. Department of Insurance’s Criminal Investigations Division accuse Bobbitt of filing a fraudulent stolen vehicle claim with MetLife Auto and Home Insurance Co.
The offenses occurred in Halifax County between March 11 and May 21, according to the warrant. Bobbitt was arrested on May 31 in Halifax County and released on $5,000 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.