North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey today announced the arrest of Alonzo Darrell James, 39, of 529 Webbs Gate Road, Henrico. James 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 James of filing a claim with Progressive Premier Insurance Co. of Illinois, knowing that damage to his 2012 Nissan Maxima occurred before he purchased the policy in an attempt to obtain $2,765.15 from the company.
According to the arrest warrant, James had filed a claim with his previous insurance company, National General Insurance Co., for damage to his car caused by a deer. However, the National General policy had been canceled because of insufficient funds. He later took out the Progressive policy and filed the claim with the new company, the warrant says.
The offenses occurred on Feb. 26.
Special Agents and Northampton County deputies arrested James on Dec. 16. He was given a $5,000 unsecured bond pending a Dec. 31 appearance in Northampton County District Court.
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.