Durham Woman Arrested for Alleged Connection to Auto Accident Fraud Ring

RALEIGH, N.C., July 16 -- The North Carolina Department of Insurance issued the following news release:

Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin today announced the arrest of Alesia Burnette, 45, of 703 Colfax St., Durham; she was charged with five counts of insurance fraud. Warrants have also been issued for Randall Lee Bass and Nicholas Allen who remain at large.

Department criminal investigators allege that Burnette was involved in five different staged accidents from May 2006 to April 2009; she filed claims to GMAC Insurance Company totaling $7,200 for phony injuries sustained during the staged accidents. Burnette was processed at the Durham Police Department and placed under a $10,000 secured bond.

Anyone with information about the whereabouts of Bass or Allen are encouraged to contact the Department of Insurance at 919-807-6840 or the Durham Police Department Warrant Squad at 919-560-4935.

The Department of Insurance employs 20 sworn law enforcement officers dedicated to investigating claims of insurance fraud. To date in 2010, these criminal investigators have seen more than 150 cases successfully closed with more than $3.5 million in restitution and recoveries, more than 30 criminal convictions and more than 50 arrests.

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-JF78-100717-2918648 StaffFurigay