A Georgia man faces felony charges after being accused of intentionally falling at the Wendy's fast food restaurant in Murphy last summer.
North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey today announced the arrest of Cedric Shropshire, 42, of Calhoun, Ga. He is charged with felony insurance fraud.
Special Agents with the Department of Insurance's Criminal Investigations Division accuse Shropshire of trying to deceive Employers Mutual Casualty Insurance Co. by claiming he slipped on the restaurant's floor near the bathroom.
According to the arrest warrant, the restaurant's surveillance video shows Shropshire initially looking down at water on the floor, stepping over the water and then leaving. Moments later, he returned to the restaurant and purposefully fell where the water was located, the warrant says.
The offense occurred between July 30, 2018, and Sept. 1, 2018. Shropshire was arrested March 27 and given a $5,000 secured bond.
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.