RALEIGH, N.C., Aug. 1 -- The North Carolina Department of Insurance issued the following news release:

Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin today announced the arrest James Donald Williams, 38, of 468 Bristol Drive, Statesville; he is charged with one felony count of obtaining property by false pretense.

Department of Insurance criminal investigators allege that Williams, while working as an insurance agent for AFLAC Insurance Company, received approximately $60,036.10 in unearned commissions by submitting fraudulent and unsanctioned insurance applications. Williams is accused of submitting applications with names of fictitious persons, as well as submitting numerous policies written in his own name between December 2009 and March 2011.

Department of Insurance criminal investigators arrested Williams on July 30 in Iredell County; he was placed under a $5,000 unsecured bond.

The Department of Insurance employs 20 sworn state law enforcement officers dedicated to investigating and prosecuting claims of insurance and bail bonding fraud. Since Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin took office in 2009, criminal investigators have received more than 14,000 complaints, resulting in 602 arrests, 333 criminal convictions and more than 110 pending court cases. These efforts have delivered more than $48.5 million in restitution and recoveries for victims.

An estimated 10 cents of every dollar paid in premiums goes toward the payment of fraudulent claims. 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.com.

TNS hc11-120802-JF78-3975172 StaffFurigay