North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey today announced the arrest of Jerry Leon Johnson, 41, of 4311 Alma St., Greensboro. Johnson was charged with attempting to obtain property by false pretense, a felony. He was also served a criminal summons on a misdemeanor worthless check charge.
Special Agents with the Department of Insurance Criminal Investigations Division accuse Johnson of using a non-existent checking account to apply for an auto insurance policy with Geico Insurance Co. and then file a claim two days later.
The offenses occurred between May 3, 2019, and May 30, 2019.
Johnson was arrested on Jan. 2. He was given a $1,000 secured bond.
Commissioner Causey estimates fraud costs North Carolinians between 15 and 20 cents on every dollar paid on insurance premiums, maybe more. That’s why he has cracked down on this white-collar crime by boosting the NCDOI Criminal Investigations Division.
Over the past two years, CID Special Agents recovered $7.5 million in criminal activities – money that was returned to consumers and insurance companies. The restitution also helps preserve insurance rates.
To report suspected fraud, contact the N.C. Department of Insurance Criminal Investigations Division at 919-807-6840. Callers may remain anonymous.