View this article online: https://www.claimsjournal.com/news/southeast/2010/03/10/108015.htm
North Carolina officials report that a Wilson woman has been arrested for allegedly staging a robbery to collect insurance money.
Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin announced the arrest of Leslie Michelle Nowell.
Department investigators allege that Nowell filed a police report with the Wilson Police Department stating she was robbed of assorted jewelry, pocket books and cash while working at her store, Divine Decor & Gift. Investigators further allege that Nowell staged the robbery.
According to the arrest warrants, Nowell received two checks from Nationwide Insurance Co. totaling $6,693 for false insurance claims stemming from a robbery that did not occur. The Department of Insurance Criminal Investigations Division opened the investigation after receiving a tip.
Nowell is charged with on two counts each of insurance fraud and obtaining property by false pretense. She was processed at the Wilson County Jail and placed under a $1,000 secured bond, according to officials.