North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey today announced the arrest of Bonnie Fay Keel, 48, of 112 Spindrift Trail, Elizabeth City. Keel 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 Keel of attempting to collect on an automobile insurance claim with Nationwide by providing photos of damage that had been submitted in a previous claim.
The offenses occurred on Oct. 31, 2021.
Special agents along with Pasquotank County deputies arrested Keel on April 1. She was given a $2,500 secured bond.
Commissioner Causey encourages North Carolinians to help keep insurance premiums low by reporting suspicious fraud.
“Insurance fraud is not a victimless crime,” Commissioner Causey said. “It hits all of us in the pocket through higher premiums.”
If you suspect insurance fraud or other white-collar crimes, please report it. You may anonymously report fraud by calling the N.C. Department of Insurance Criminal Investigations Division at 919-807-6840.
Information is also available at www.ncdoi.gov.