Pitt County Man Arrested, Accused of Fraudulent Insurance Claim

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

Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin today announced the arrest of Ricky Lee Skinner, 53 of 3020 Spring Creek Road, Apt. 5, Greenville; he is charged with two counts of obtaining property by false pretense.

Department of Insurance criminal investigators allege that on Feb. 7, 2012, Skinner filed two fraudulent claims with Erie Insurance Company for damage to his vehicle for which he had previously filed claims and received payment.

Skinner was arrested Oct. 18 and placed under a $10,000 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 hc11-121020-JF78-4076782 StaffFurigay