10 Arrested and 6 more Wanted for NC Staged Accident Ring

NC Authorities announced the arrests of 10 individuals for their alleged roles in a tri-county staged accident ring.

According to The Citizens Times, brothers, Howard Earl Whitfield, Jr. and Douglas Whitfield, are said to be the “ring leaders” in a string of staged car accidents throughout Nash, Edgecombe and Franklin Counties.

“As a result of the efforts of the alleged group, Universal Insurance, Farm Bureau Insurance of North Carolina, GMAC Insurance, Nationwide Insurance and Geico Insurance paid out a total of $76,217.48 in claims between August 2009 and January 2010.”

Authorities claim that the indicted supposedly filed claims for accidents that never occurred or the suspects physically staged the accidents by intentionally hitting another suspect’s vehicle from behind.

Eight others have also been arrested and warrants for six more were issued for their alleged participation in this scandalous scheme.  Details of those indicted can be viewed here.

According to the North Caroline Department of Insurance, nearly 10 cents of every dollar for premiums goes towards fraudulent claims.  Kudos to the Nash and Edgecombe County Sherriff’s Departments and the Department of Insurance for a successful joint investigation in the fight against fraud.