Alleged Insurance Fraud Leads to Rutherfordton Man’s Arrest

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

Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin today announced the arrest of Jon Joshua Behrns, 33, of 758 Pleasant Hill Loop, Rutherfordton; he is charged with one count of insurance fraud.

Department of Insurance criminal investigators allege that Behrns provided false information to support an insurance claim that was submitted to Allstate Insurance Company for vehicle damage sustained during a Sept. 14 accident. Allstate settled the claim for $952.08, but representatives suspected that the vehicle was damaged prior to the accident and that Behrns' claim was inflated to cover the repair of the previous damage. Allstate turned the case over to the Department of Insurance Criminal Investigations Division.

Behrns was arrested on Feb. 1, processed at the Rutherford County Magistrate's Office, and released on a $15,000 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 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 hc11-130202-4189165 StaffFurigay