Insurance Agent Charged With Embezzlement in Durham County

RALEIGH, N.C., Aug. 29 -- The North Carolina Department of Insurance issued the following news release:

Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin today announced the arrest of Gina Peeler Wagner, 46, no known address; she was charged with one count of embezzlement by an insurance agent.

Department of Insurance criminal investigators allege that between January and September 2012, while working as a licensed insurance agent, Wagner received insurance premium payments of approximately $10,000 from 30 individuals, but did not apply the funds to their accounts. Investigators accuse Wagner of keeping the money for her own personal use.

Wagner was arrested on Aug. 27 in Durham County and placed under a $150,000 secured 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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