Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey today announced the arrest of Rickie Nelson Brinkley, 27, of 825 Tobacco Road, Rocky Mount; he is charged with one count of insurance fraud.
Department of Insurance criminal investigators accuse Brinkley of fraudulently claiming the damage to his vehicle happened after he purchased coverage with Progressive Auto Insurance on Dec. 21, 2016. Investigators allege Brinkley claimed the damage occurred on Dec. 22, 2016, but determined pictures of the damage were taken on Dec. 21, 2016.
Brinkley was arrested on Feb. 13 in Edgecombe County and released under a signed promise to appear in court.
An estimated 10 cents of every dollar paid in premiums goes toward the payment of fraudulent claims. The Department of Insurance employs 20 sworn state law enforcement officers dedicated to investigating and prosecuting claims of insurance and bail bonding fraud. To report suspected fraud, contact the Department of Insurance Criminal Investigations Division at 919-807-6840. Callers may remain anonymous. Information is also available at www.ncdoi.gov/fraud-control.