North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey today announced the arrest of Tristan Marcel Martin Jr., 35, of 230 Barlow Circle, Winston Salem, NC. Martin was charged with insurance fraud and attempting to obtain property by false pretense, both felonies.
According to special agents with the Department of Insurance’s Criminal Investigations Division, Martin attempted to obtain money from Phillips Corporation and USAA Insurance. He attempted to claim $1,978.86 by falsifying paystubs for an automobile policy.
According to the arrest warrants, the offenses occurred on Oct. 4, 2023.
Martin was arrested on May 28, fingerprinted and released on a $5,000 secured bond. He is expected appear in Forsyth County Court on July 18.
“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 or toll free from anywhere in North Carolina at 888-680-7684.
Information is also available at www.ncdoi.gov.