Couple Charged With Insurance Fraud in Jones County

RALEIGH, N.C., Aug. 26 -- The North Carolina Department of Insurance issued the following news release:

Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin today announced the arrests of Johnny Ball, 49, and Joni Ball, 49, both of 154 Kitty Noecker Road, Pink Hill. Each was charged with one felony count of insurance fraud and one county of obtaining property by false pretense.

Department of Insurance criminal investigators accuse Johnny and Joni Ball of submitting a fraudulent claim to Nationwide Agribusiness Insurance Company in the amount of $6,000 for the rental of a camper after a fire at their shared Jones County residence in February 2010. Investigators allege that the couple did not rent a camper and manufactured a fraudulent receipt.

Johnny and Joni Ball were arrested in Jones County on Aug. 22 and placed under a $10,000 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 18,600 complaints, resulting in 800 arrests and 430 criminal convictions. These efforts have delivered more than $55 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.

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