North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey today announced the arrest of Timothy Darnell Montague Jr. and Akira Veneta Montague, both 22, and both of 7821 Bergstrom Drive, Raleigh. Both were 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 the Montagues of providing false documents for items reported stolen in an attempt to obtain $3,060.97 in rental insurance claim payments from American National Insurance Co.
The offenses occurred between Sept. 4, 2019, and April 2, 2020.
Special Agents and Raleigh police arrested the Montagues on Aug. 23. Bond was set at $5,000 secured for Timothy Montague and $6,000 secured for Akira Montague. Both are due in Wake County District Court on Sept. 14.
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 damages – 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.