Mecklenburg County Diner Arrested for Alleged Insurance Fraud

RALEIGH, N.C., June 12 -- The North Carolina Department of Insurance issued the following news release:

Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin today announced the arrest of Robert Chase Garcia, 27, of 430 Queens Road #532, Charlotte; he is charged with ten counts each of obtaining property by false pretense and insurance fraud.

Department of Insurance criminal investigators allege that between 2009 and 2012, Garcia patronized various Charlotte restaurants and claimed that foreign objects in his food had caused damage to his mouth. When restaurant managers refused to pay cash for Garcia's dental work, he filed claims with the businesses' insurance companies. Investigators allege that Garcia provided fraudulent documentation regarding the dental work and received more than $5,000 from the insurance companies to settle the claims.

Garcia was arrested June 11 in Mecklenburg County and placed under a $75,000 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 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 hc11-120613-JF78-3908722 StaffFurigay