North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey today announced the arrest of Cantriece Kelley, 36, of 3808 Holly Oak Drive, Fayetteville. Kelley is charged with insurance fraud, a felony.
Special agents with the Department of Insurance’s Criminal Investigations Division accuse Kelley of submitting an altered letter from the Fayetteville Public Works Commission to United Services Automobile Association to collect on a renters’ policy claim.
According to the arrest warrant, Kelley claimed that she lost three flat screen televisions and $600 worth of food during a power outage that lasted from March 18 through March 20 when the outage actually lasted for about an hour.
Kelley was arrested on May 4 and released under a $5,000 unsecured bond. She is scheduled to be in Cumberland County District Court on May 25.
"It troubles me that some people think insurance fraud is a victimless crime,” Commissioner Causey said. “Nearly 20 cents of every insurance premium dollar goes to cover the cost of insurance fraud. Consumers are the real victims of this kind of criminal behavior.”
Over the past three years, CID Special Agents recovered nearly $12 million used in fraudulent activities. That money has been 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.