RALEIGH, N.C., Jan. 22 -- The North Carolina Department of Insurance issued the following news release:

Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin today announced the arrest of Torrell Tracy Harris, 25, currently residing at the Greene Correctional Institution in Maury; he is charged with one count each of insurance fraud and obtaining property by false pretense.

Department of Insurance criminal investigators allege that on Aug. 10, 2011, Harris filed a fraudulent insurance claim with Assurant Insurance Company - and a supporting, but fraudulent police report - claiming that miscellaneous property was stolen from his Wilson residence. Assurant settled the claim for $4,344.20, but turned the case over for investigation to the Department of Insurance after discovering that Harris had made multiple similar claims in a short period of time for the same residence.

Harris was arrested by the Greene County Sheriff's Office on Jan. 9 and returned to the Greene Correctional Institution where he was being held for prior, unrelated charges.

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 16,800 complaints, resulting in 720 arrests and 380 criminal convictions. These efforts have delivered more than $50 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 hc11-130123-4174850 StaffFurigay