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.
Bland was arrested on March 8 in Wake County with assistance from the Wake County Sheriff's Office and placed under a $10,000 bond.
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.