NC Dentist Arrested For Alleged Insurance Fraud

RALEIGH, N.C., Aug. 1 -- The North Carolina Department of Insurance issued the following news release:

Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin today announced the arrest of Daniel Owen Carson, 54, of 7777 Rock Meadows Trail Court in Denver, N.C.; he is charged with one count each of obtaining property by false pretense and with failure to pay group insurance premiums.

Department of Insurance criminal investigators allege that from June to September 2011, Carson did not pay group insurance premiums, causing employees of Lake Norman Dental Center in Denver to lose group health insurance coverage without proper notice. Carson is accused of continuing to deduct health care premiums from employees' paychecks during that time even though the employees did not have health insurance coverage.

Carson was arrested on July 30 in Lincoln County and placed under a $4,000 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 hc11-120802-3975176 StaffFurigay