North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey today announced that Special Agents have arrested a Texas man on charges of embezzling $83,196.73 between December 2015 and March 2016.
Andrew Bryant Belk, 29, of Frisco, Texas, was charged with 16 counts of felony embezzlement and 16 counts of felony conspiracy to embezzle funds from IAT Insurance Group Inc. while working for the insurance company.
Four others were also charged with felony conspiracy – Duvontae Daquon Covington, 26, of 9301 Reedybrook Crossing, Apex; Devonte Montez Jackson, 26, of Americus, Ga.; Amara Matrell Sturkey, 25, of Marion, S.C.; and Jordan Anthony Reaves, 28, of Atlanta, Ga.
Special Agents with the Department of Insurance's Criminal Investigations Division, along with Wake County sheriff's deputies and Durham police, cooperated in making the arrests.
Belk, Sturkey and Covington were arrested on Jan. 24. Jackson was arrested on Jan. 29. Reeves was arrested Jan. 30.
Belk was placed under a $30,000 secured bond and given a Feb. 14 date in Wake County District Court. Sturkey was placed under a $3,000 secured bond pending a Feb. 14 court date. Covington was given a $5,000 unsecured bond and a Feb. 18 court date. Jackson was placed under a $2,000 secured bond and given a Feb. 19 court date. Reeves was placed under a $10,000 secured bond and given a Jan. 31 court date.
The investigation continues, and more arrests are expected.
Fraud is felt every time consumers pay their insurance premiums. Commissioner Causey estimates fraud costs North Carolinians between 15 and 20 cents on every dollar paid on insurance premiums.
"Insurance fraud affects our economy. Not only does it damage insurance companies, it cheats businesses and consumers too," Commissioner Causey said. "This kind of white-collar crime is unacceptable. That's why I've doubled the number of Special Agents to investigate insurance fraud. Cracking down on fraud will put more money in the pockets of businesses and consumers."
To report suspected fraud, contact the N.C. Department of Insurance Criminal Investigations Division at 919-807-6840. Callers may remain anonymous. Information is also available at www.ncdoi.gov/fraud-control.