North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey today announced the arrest of Laykeysha Chesson, 23, of 112 Sawmill Circle, Plymouth. Chesson was 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 Chesson of falsely telling National General Insurance that her vehicle was stolen and then wrecked in an attempt to obtain $16,873.01 from the insurance company.
The offenses occurred between May 27 and Nov. 13.
Chesson was arrested on Dec. 2 and released under $10,000 unsecured bond. She is due in Washington County District Court on Dec. 8.
Commissioner Causey estimates fraud costs North Carolinians nearly 20 cents on every dollar paid on insurance premiums. 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.