Lincoln County Couple Arrested for Alleged Insurance Fraud

RALEIGH, N.C., June 13 -- The North Carolina Department of Insurance issued the following news release:

Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin today announced the arrests of David Rowe III, 36, of 3816 King Wilkinson Road, Lincolnton, and Terri Lynn Rowe, 33, of 201 N. 4th Ave. #A5, Maiden.

David Rowe was charged with one count of insurance fraud and Terri Rowe was charged with two counts of insurance fraud.

Department of Insurance criminal investigators allege that on March 7, 2012, Terri Rowe allowed another person to drive her 2001 Ford Focus, during which time that person was involved in an automobile accident. Investigators allege that Terri Rowe falsely claimed to Progressive Insurance Company that she was in the vehicle at the time of the accident. Investigators also allege that her former spouse, David Rowe, drove his work van into the Focus so that she could increase her damage claim to Progressive. The company settled the alleged fraudulent claim by paying Terri Rowe$2,018.83.

David Rowe and Terri Rowe were arrested on June 12 and are being held at the Lincoln County Detention Center. David Rowe was placed under a $1,800 secured bond and Terri Rowe was placed under a $2,500 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 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 hc11-120614-JF78-3909991 StaffFurigay