North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey today announced the arrest of Javore Lavon Blackwell, 32, of 4104 Sunflower Circle, Winston-Salem. Blackwell 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 Blackwell of attempting to obtain $8,696.66 from State Farm Insurance Co. by producing fraudulent photos and documents supporting a renters’ policy claim for damage from a fire that did not occur.
The offenses occurred between Jan. 29, 2021, and May 24, 2021.
Special agents and Winston-Salem police arrested Blackwell on April 16. He was given a $10,000 secured bond. He is due in Forsyth County District Court on May 12.
“Insurance fraud hits consumers in the wallet,” Commissioner Causey said. “Approximately 20 cents of every insurance premium dollar go to covering the cost of fraud. I’m fighting this by aggressively pursuing and prosecuting insurance fraud in North Carolina.”
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.