Topics Related to NCDOI

Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey today announced the arrest of Rachael Yvette Hicks, 27, of 95 North Ridge Drive, Louisburg; she is charged with one count of insurance fraud.

Department of Insurance criminal investigators accuse Hicks of fraudulently claiming her vehicle was stolen and crashed with Universal Insurance Company on Feb. 25, 2017. Investigators allege Hicks was operating the vehicle at the time of the accident.

Hicks was arrested on March 24 in Franklin County and placed under a $15,000 bond.

Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey today announced the arrest of Stephanie Candelaria, 32, of 16 Parker Fork Road, Corapeake; she is charged with one count of insurance fraud.

Department of Insurance criminal investigators accuse Candelaria of fraudulently claiming her vehicle was stolen with National General Insurance Company in December 2016. Investigators allege Candelaria wrecked the vehicle and knew it was not stolen.

Candelaria was arrested on March 20 in Gates County and released under a promise to appear in court.

Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey today joined the National Safety Council in urging North Carolinians to concentrate on the road and avoid distractions while behind the wheel. April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month.

“Driving has always been dangerous, but now more than ever, we need to concentrate on the road,” said Causey. “The safety of every North Carolinian is my top priority and I urge everyone to put down your phone and concentrate on driving your vehicle.”

Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey today announced the arrest of Stephanie Nathalene Carter, 35, of 321 East Perry Ave, Wake Forest; she is charged with one count of insurance fraud.

Department of Insurance criminal investigators accuse Carter of fraudulently claiming her vehicle was stolen from her residence in order to receive $3,412 from GEICO Indemnity Insurance Company.

Carter was arrested on March 16 in Wake County and placed under a promise a $3,000 bond.

Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey today announced the arrest of Evon Melissa Mabine, 39, of 506 Ahoskie Cofield Road, Ahoskie; she is charged with one count each of insurance fraud and obtaining property by false pretense.

Department of Insurance criminal investigators accuse Mabine of intentionally setting fire to her vehicle and fraudulently claiming the fire was due to mechanical failures with National General Insurance Company. Investigators allege Mabine received a rental car which cost the company $900.00.

Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey today announced the conviction of two retired insurance agents, Milton Hooks, 72, of Rocky Mount and James Mangum, 69, of Tarboro on six counts each of obtaining property by false pretense.

The case was the result of an extensive seven-year investigation in fourteen counties conducted by the NC Department of Insurance’s Criminal Investigation Division. Hooks and Mangum targeted senior citizens in a regional scam that involved the reallocation of money people had in savings and insurance policies.

Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey encourages North Carolinians to safely dispose of unused or expired medications during National Poison Prevention Week, March 19-25, 2017, at one of the Operation Medicine Drop events around the state.

"I am happy to partner with various law enforcement and Safe Kids coalitions across North Carolina to keep medicines and prescription drugs out of the wrong hands," said Causey. "Medications should always be locked out of reach of children, and when medicines are no longer needed, they should be disposed of in a safe way."

Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey today announced the arrest of 70 individuals charged with rate evasion in Mecklenburg County.

Department of Insurance criminal investigators accuse the defendants of deliberately evading automobile insurance rates in Mecklenburg County by fraudulently reporting the same address at 8814 Silver Charm Lane, Waxhaw. Investigators allege that 70 taxi and limousine drivers were attempting to evade the higher automobile insurance premiums in Charlotte.

Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey today announced the arrest of Jeffrey Mitchell Bland, 50, of 11121 Old Stage Road, Willow Spring; he is charged with one count each of insurance fraud and attempting to obtain property by false pretense.

Department of Insurance criminal investigators accuse Bland of fraudulently reporting his vehicle was stolen at gunpoint on Jan. 20, 2017, and receiving $1,022.14 in insurance payment from USAA Insurance Company. Investigators allege Bland traded the vehicle in exchange for drugs prior to the vehicle being involved in a collision.

Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey today announced the arrest of Cathy Parris Wooten, 35, of 4518 Langwood Way, Rocky Mount; she is charged with one count each of insurance fraud and attempting to obtain property by false pretense.

Department of Insurance criminal investigators accuse Wooten of presenting a false statement to Benson Police Department and fraudulent claim to National General Insurance reporting her vehicle was stolen to receive payment. Investigators allege Wooten allowed an unlicensed driver, Eddie Shaun Anderson, to operate the vehicle which he wrecked.