North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey today announced the arrest of Tony Lee Gunter, 29, of 1525 Gouges Creek Road, Spruce Pine. Gunter has been charged with exploiting a disabled or elderly person’s trust, identity theft and obtaining property by false pretense, all felonies.
Investigators with the Department of Insurance Criminal Investigations Division accuse Gunter, a licensed North Carolina insurance agent, of fraudulently obtaining checking account numbers and other identifiable information from an elderly client and using the stolen information to purchase a life insurance policy in her name without her knowledge or consent. Gunter then received a payment of $256.50 from the Independent Order of Foresters insurance company as commission from the fraudulent policy, according to the arrest warrant.
The offense occurred on Jan. 30, 2025.
Gunter was released under a $20,000 secured bond and is expected to appear in Yancy County District Court on Oct. 12.
“The public must trust that licensed agents will operate within the scope of the law, so it’s especially troubling when they do not,” said Commissioner Causey. “Thanks to our agents for bringing this case to light.”
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.