Second Arrest in Alleged Insurance Fraud Scheme in Wilmington

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

Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin today announced the arrest of Landon Noah Anthony "Rocky" Mabe, 25, of 4150 Breezewood Drive, Apt. 104, Wilmington; he is charged with one count each of insurance fraud, obtaining property by false pretense and corporate malfeasance.

These charges, filed on Jan. 18, are the result of an ongoing two-year investigation by the Department of Insurance, the N.C. Department of Motor Vehicles License and Theft Bureau, the N.C. Banking Commission, the Brunswick County Sheriff's Office and the Wilmington Police Department.

Investigators allege that Mabe, while working as assistant branch manager of Time Financing Service in Wilmington, assisted branch manager Steven Gurney, 49, of 5418... Park Ave., Wilmington, in filing false or exaggerated claims on repossessed vehicles. Gurney was arrested Jan. 17 on related charges.

Mabe surrendered at the New Hanover County Courthouse on Jan. 18 and was arrested by the Wilmington Police Department. He was placed under a $5,000 unsecured bond and released.

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 2008, criminal investigators have received more than 13,500 complaints, resulting in 575 arrests, 320 criminal convictions, and more than 109 cases currently pending a court appearance. These arrests have resulted in more than $47.9 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 the Web site for the N.C. Dept. of Insurance.

TNS h11-120120-JF78-3746918 StaffFurigay