NC Insurance Agents Indicted for Alleged Embezzling

RALEIGH, N.C., Sept. 19 -- The North Carolina Department of Insurance issued the following news release:

Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin today announced the grand jury indictment of Ronnie Thorpe, 53, of 8198 Charlie Stovall Road, Oxford, and Brian Douglas Vann, 58, of 4065 Salem Farm Road, Oxford; each was charged with one count of obtaining property by false pretense.

Department of Insurance criminal investigators allege that while working as AFLAC Insurance agents, both Thorpe and Vann accepted advanced payments for insurance premiums that were supposed to be refunded to several policyholders and kept the money for their personal use. Thorpe is charged with embezzling $9,601.32 and Vann is charged with embezzling $2,310.04.

Thorpe and Vann were served indictments on Aug. 31, 2012. They were scheduled to appear in court on Sept. 19, 2012.

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 hc11-120920-JF78-4036053 StaffFurigay