RALEIGH — A Jones County couple was arrested last week for insurance fraud and another charge.
Johnny Ball, 49, and Joni Ball, 49, both of 154 Kitty Noecker Road, Pink Hill were each charged with one felony count of insurance fraud and one count of obtaining property by false pretense.
North Carolina Department of Insurance criminal investigators accuse the Balls of submitting a fraudulent claim to Nationwide Agribusiness Insurance Company in the amount of $6,000 for the rental of a camper after a fire at their shared Jones County residence in February 2010. Investigators allege the couple did not rent a camper and manufactured a fraudulent receipt.
They were arrested in Jones County on Thursday and placed under a $10,000 unsecured bond.
According to a press release, the DOI 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 18,600 complaints, resulting in 800 arrests and 430 criminal convictions. These efforts have delivered more than $55 million in restitution and recoveries for victims.
An estimated 10 cents of every dollar paid in premiums goes toward the payment of fraudulent claims, the DOI states.
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 ncdoi.com.