RALEIGH, N.C., Oct. 18 -- The North Carolina Department of Insurance issued the following news release:

Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin today announced the arrest of Brian Jerrell Lucas, 21, of 6570 Old Smithfield Road, Bailey; he is charged with one count of insurance fraud and one count of obtaining property by false pretense.

Department of Insurance criminal investigators allege that on Nov. 13, 2011, Lucas submitted a fraudulent claim to Allstate Insurance Company maintaining that someone had burned his vehicle; the company subsequently paid Lucas approximately $900. Criminal investigators accuse Lucas of burning the car himself.

Lucas was arrested on Oct. 17 with the assistance of the Nash County Sheriff's Office and released under a written promise to appear in court on Oct. 18.

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 hc11-121019-4074950 StaffFurigay