North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey today announced the arrest of Raymond Irvine Laster III, 28, of 831 Greenhaven Drive, Greensboro. Laster was charged with insurance fraud and attempting to obtain property by false pretense, both felonies, along with misdemeanor making false statements on an insurance application.
According to the arrest warrant, Laster obtained an automobile insurance policy from National General Insurance Co. after he wrecked the car but claimed the crash occurred after he took out the policy.
The offenses occurred between Sept. 12 and Oct. 27.
Special Agents with the Department of Insurance’s Criminal Investigations Division, along with Guilford County deputies, arrested Laster on Oct. 30. He was given a $20,000 secured bond pending a hearing in Guilford County District Court on Nov. 30.
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.