North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey today announced the arrest of Jerry Cornelius Clemonts, 58, of 4076 Thelma Road, Roanoke Rapids. Clemonts was charged with insurance fraud and attempting to obtain property by false pretense, both felonies.
Special Agents with the Department of Insurance’s Criminal Investigations Division accuse Clemonts of trying to obtain $6,551.25 from Geico by claiming his 2005 Ford F-250 was damaged in a hit-and-run accident, when the vehicle had the damage on it was purchased.
The offenses occurred between June 17 and Aug 13.
Special Agents arrested Clemonts on Nov. 9. He was placed under a $5,000 secured bond pending a Dec. 4 date in Halifax 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.