North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey today announced that the former treasurer of a Cherokee County volunteer fire department and her husband were charged with felony obtaining property by false pretense.
Special Agents with the Department of Insurance’s Criminal Investigations Division, along with Cherokee County sheriff’s deputies, accuse the former treasurer, Amanda Mintz Mashburn, 43, of 3215 Owl Creek Road, Murphy, of using the Hanging Dog Volunteer Fire Department’s debit card to take out cash for personal use. Her husband, David Mashburn, 45, of the same address was also accused of using the debit card for personal use.
The offenses occurred between Nov. 28, 2016, and Jan. 7, 2020.
Amanda Mashburn was served with a criminal summons on April 7. David Mashburn was served with a criminal summons on April 16.
Both are due in Cherokee County District Court on July 23.
Commissioner Causey estimates fraud costs North Carolinians between 15 and 20 cents on every dollar paid on insurance premiums, maybe more. That’s why he has cracked down on this white-collar crime by boosting the NCDOI Criminal Investigations Division.
Over the past two years, CID Special Agents recovered $7.5 million in criminal activities – money that was returned to consumers and insurance companies. The restitution also helps preserve insurance rates.
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.