Lincoln County Couple Arrested for Alleged Insurance Fraud

RALEIGH, N.C., June 7 -- The North Carolina Department of Insurance issued the following news release:

Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin today announced the arrests of Leslie Lee Bolen, 40, and Brandy Cress, 36, both of 7340 Hallman Mill Road, Vale; each is charged with one count of insurance fraud and one count of obtaining property by false pretense.

Department of Insurance criminal investigators allege that Bolen and Cress filed a fraudulent claim with State Farm Insurance Company after a fire in the couple's home on Dec. 10, 2011. State Farm representatives allege that fraudulent information was provided during the claims process for which the company sustained a loss of $1,240.13.

Bolen and Cress were arrested on June 7</chron> by the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office and each was placed under a $5,000 secure 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 hc11-120609-JF78-3905100 StaffFurigay