North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey today announced the arrest of Brancis Lee Williams, 47, of 101 Dominion Court, Roanoke Rapids. Williams was charged with two counts each of insurance fraud and obtaining property by false pretense, all felonies.
According to the arrest warrants, Williams filed fraudulent medical bills from Nash and Pitt County hospitals to obtain $26,800 in insurance payments from American Heritage Life Insurance Co.
The offenses occurred between Sept. 17, 2019, and May 17, 2020.
Special Agents with the Department of Insurance’s Criminal Investigations Division, along with Halifax County deputies, arrested Williams on Oct. 13. He was given a $20,000 unsecured bond pending an appearance in Halifax County District Court on Nov. 4.
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.