North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey today announced the arrest of William Lewis Carter III, 40, of 4419 U.S. 701 South, Clarkton. Carter was charged with forgery and obtaining property by false pretense, both felonies.
According to the arrest warrant, Carter forged the name of a Conserv Equipment Leasing official on a $33,000 check from Conserv Capital and deposited it in a bank account.
The offenses occurred between Oct. 2, 2018, and Nov. 16, 2018.
Special Agents with the Department of Insurance's Criminal Investigations Division arrested Carter on June 7. His bond was set at $25,000 secured pending a July 31 date in Bladen County District Court.
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.