North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey today announced the arrests of Channell Cheri Smith, 39, of 4564 Merryvale Forest Dr., Charlotte, and Shandaricka Takayla Alexander, 33, of 5916 Hamilton Oaks Dr., Charlotte. Smith and Alexander were each charged with one count of insurance fraud and one count of conspiracy. All charges are felonies.
According to special agents with the NC Department of Insurance’s Criminal Investigations Division, the two planned and conspired to misrepresent their involvements in a car accident. Smith filed a claim with Allstate Insurance to her auto policy, reporting that the damage to the rear of her vehicle had occurred during a minor collision. Investigators determined the damage predated the incident.
Both Smith and Alexander submitted additional claims to Allstate stating Alexander had been injured in the collision as a passenger. Agents discovered that Alexander had not been in the vehicle as claimed. Alexander later impersonated Smith to file additional claims, again misrepresenting her involvement.
The incident occurred on March 21, according to the warrant.
Smith and Alexander were arrested on June 23 and held in Mecklenburg County Jail. Smith was released on a $20,000 unsecured bond and Alexander was released on a $15,000 unsecured bond. They appeared in Mecklenburg County District Court on June 24.
“Insurance fraud hits consumers in the wallet,” Commissioner Causey said. “Approximately 20 cents of every insurance premium dollar goes to covering the cost of fraud. I’m fighting this by aggressively pursuing and prosecuting insurance fraud in North Carolina.”
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.