Bail Bond Case Leads to Arrest of Goldsboro Man

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

Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin today announced the arrest of Tobias Audrea Artis, 34, of 416 Miller Ave., Goldsboro; he was charged with one count of acting as an unlicensed bail bondsman.

Department of Insurance criminal investigators allege that on Oct. 31, 2012, Artis attempted to apprehend a defendant on a Wayne County bond forfeiture case while he was not a licensed bail bondsman. Investigators allege that Artis failed to renew his bail bondsman license on June 30, 2012.

Artis was arrested on May 20 with assistance from the Wayne County Sheriff's Office and released on a written promise to appear in court on June 12, 2013.

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 MGD-130523-JF78-4359958 StaffFurigay