North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey today announced the arrest of Ellen Page Newton, 54, of 285 T. Kemp Road, Louisburg. Newton was charged with making a false statement to obtain unemployment insurance benefits and obtaining property by false pretense, both felonies.
According to the arrest warrant, Newton obtained $12,840 in unemployment payments after certifying that she lost her job because of a COVID-19 layoff. An investigation revealed Newton was, in fact, self-employed and had not reported wages for 2019 or 2020.
The offenses occurred between March 15 and Sept. 1.
Special Agents with the Department of Insurance’s Criminal Investigations Division arrested Newton on Oct. 1. She was given a $30,000 secured bond.
Since taking office, Commissioner Causey 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.