North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey today announced the arrest of Katherine Marie Lovelace, 53, of 1026 Adams St., Statesville. Lovelace 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 Lovelace of adding preexisting damage to her automobile insurance damage claim. The preexisting damage would have added about $3,000 to the claim, according to the arrest warrant.
The offense occurred on Dec. 9, 2024.
Statesville police arrested Lovelace on March 18. She was given a $3,500 secured bond pending a March 19 appearance in Iredell County District Court.
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 or toll free from anywhere in North Carolina at 888-680-7684.
Information is also available at www.ncdoi.gov.