Fayetteville Man and Bondsman Arrested for Alleged Bail Bonding Violations

RALEIGH, N.C., June 27 -- The North Carolina Department of Insurance issued the following news release:

Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin today announced the arrests of Harold Orlando Hill, 41, of 5719 Meharry Drive, Fayetteville; and Brunhilde B. Ross, 53, of 195 N. Reily Road, Fayetteville.

Hill was charged with one count of acting as a bail bondsman without a license. Ross was charged with one count of aiding and abetting an unlicensed bail bondsman.

Department of Insurance criminal investigators allege that on April 16, 2011, Hill acted as a bail bondsman without a license by assisting licensed bail bondsman Ross in an attempt to apprehend a defendant on a bond forfeiture.

Ross and Hill were arrested in Cumberland County on June 25; each was placed under a $1,000 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 14,000 complaints, resulting in 602 arrests, 333 criminal convictions and more than 110 pending court cases. These efforts have delivered more than $48.5 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 hc11-120628-JF78-3929572 StaffFurigay