Former South Salisbury firefighter charged for insurance fraud

A former firefighter with the South Salisbury Volunteer Fire Department has been charged with obtaining $102,202.80 in disability payments he wasn't entitled to receive.

According to a release from the N.C. Department of Insurance, Commissioner Mike Causey announced the arrest of John William Myers, 52, of Salisbury.

He was charged with two counts of insurance fraud and two counts of obtaining property by false pretense, all felonies.

Special agents with the Department of Insurance's Criminal Investigations Division allege that Myers, who was injured in 2019 during required firefighter training, continued to receive disability benefits after he returned to work in April 2023.

According to the arrest warrant, Myers provided false and misleading statements to National Union Fire Insurance Co. to continue receiving benefits, which he received until June 2025.

Myers turned himself in to the Rowan County Sheriff's Office on Jan. 29. He was given a $20,000 unsecured bond.

"Insurance fraud is not a victimless crime," Causey said. "It hits all of us in the pocket through higher premiums."

If you suspect insurance fraud or other white-collar crimes, please report it. You may anonymously report fraud by calling the N.C. Department of Insurance Criminal Investigations Division at 919-807-6840 or toll free from anywhere in North Carolina at 888-680-7684.

Information is also available at www.ncdoi.gov.