Wilson man fraudulently claimed he hit wildlife after fatal hit-and-run, NCDOI says

WILSON, N.C. (WNCN) — A Wilson man is facing a felony insurance fraud charge after claiming the damages to his vehicle sustained in a deadly hit-and-run were a result of a collision with wildlife.

Special agents with the North Carolina Department of Insurance's Criminal Investigations Division said 38-year-old Charles Earl Holden was arrested after attempting to defraud Integon National.

Holden told the insurance company his vehicle was damaged when it collided with wildlife on July 10, 2023. According to investigators, however, the damage was the result of a fatal hit-and-run that happened on Feb. 10, 2023.

The NCDOI said Holden is being held in the Wilson County Jail.

"Insurance fraud hits customers in the wallet," North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey said. "Approximately 20 cents of every insurance premium dollar goes to covering the cost of fraud. I'm fighting this by aggressively pursuing and prosecuting insurance fraud in North Carolina."

Anyone who suspects insurance fraud or other white-collar crimes can make an anonymous report to the NCDOI Criminal Investigations Division at (919) 807-6840. Reports can also be made toll-free from anywhere in the state at (888) 680-7684.