Family Members Arrested for Allegedly Staging Accidents for Insurance Money

RALEIGH, N.C., Feb. 19 -- The North Carolina Department of Insurance issued the following news release:

Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin today announced the arrest of five people accused of engaging in an insurance fraud scheme involving staged auto accidents.

Jaime Farrah Boxley, 36, of 305 Avon Lake Drive, Durham, was charged with one count of attempting to obtain property by false pretense.

Christa Sharif Smith, 27, of 812 Shari Court, Durham, was charged with one count of attempting to obtain property by false pretense.

Christie Shari Smith, 27, of 340 Avon Lake Drive, Durham, was charged with one count of attempting to obtain property by false pretense.

Deanna Liles Smith, 52, of 812 Shari Court, Durham, was charged with one count of obtaining property by false pretense

Lashaunnette Mary Smith, 32, of 4001 Meriwether Drive, Durham, was charged with one count of obtaining property by false pretense.

Department of Insurance criminal investigators allege that during a 10-year period, each of the named individuals conspired to stage accidents in an attempt to collect money for claimed injuries. The Department was alerted after several insurance company representatives connected 16 automobile accidents where injuries and medical expenses were claimed but there was little or no damage to the vehicles.

Christa Smith is being held on a $2,500 secured bond. At the time of this publication, no bond had been set for Jaime Boxley, Christie Smith, Deanna Smith or Lashaunnette Smith. The Durham County Sheriff's Office assisted with each of the Feb. 18 arrests.

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 hc11-130220-4210810 StaffFurigay