NC DOI Arrests 7 for Staged Accident Ring

Seven more can be added to the list of people who were arrested for staged accident rings in North Carolina.

According to InsuranceNewsNet.com, on September 9^th, the NC Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin announced the arrest of seven people who are accused of engaging in an insurance fraud scheme involving staged auto accidents. Two additional suspects are still on the loose.

Ashley Leija Hannon, 25, from Spindale is charged with 10 separate felony counts, which include one count of felony conspiracy, four counts of insurance fraud, four counts of obtaining property by false pretense and one count of attempting to obtain property by false pretense.

Julius Jamal Hannon, 34, from Tryon is charged with one count of felony conspiracy.

All the others are residents of Landrum, SC:

Janice Hannon, 56, is charged with 6 felony counts, including two counts of insurance fraud, one count of felony conspiracy, one count of continuing a criminal enterprise, one count of attempting to obtain property by false pretense, and one count of obtaining property by false pretense.

Tyreke Hannon, 18, is charged with one count of insurance fraud and one count of attempting to obtain property by false pretense.

Domonique Deshae Miller, 19, is charged with one count of insurance fraud and one count of attempting to obtain property by false pretense.

Christopher Nesbitt, 23, is charged with 8 felony counts, including one count of felony conspiracy, one count of continuing a criminal enterprise, four counts of attempting to obtain property by false pretense and two counts of obtaining property by false pretense.

Khadsha Webster, 17, was charged with one count of insurance fraud and one count of attempting to obtain property by false pretense.

After a two-year investigation, Department of Insurance criminal investigators allege that the named individuals participated in a staged accident ring in and around Polk County. The suspects – who are either family members or close acquaintances – are charged with filing false insurance claims with Progressive, GMAC, Allstate, Safeco, Geico and Liberty Mutual insurance companies.

The total estimated losses associated with the claims are in excess of $100,000.

The suspects were all arrested on September 8^th through the help of the National Insurance Crime Bureau, Polk County Sheriff’s Office, Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office, Landrum Police Department and the Tryon Police Department.

While Ashley Hannon is being held on $150,000 secured bond, Janice Hannon is held on a $12,000 secured bond, and Julius Hannon is being held on a $20,000 secured bond. Domonique Miller was released on a written promise that she would return to court, while Tyreke Hannon, Christopher Nesbitt and Khadsha Webster were released to the custody of a parent.

The two suspects who are still being searched for are:

Michael Kareem Hannon, 26, from Tryon, who is wanted for insurance fraud, obtaining property by false pretense, attempting to obtain property by false pretense, felony conspiracy and continuing a criminal enterprise, and

Randy Bashawn Littlejohn, 36, of Bostic, who is wanted for insurance fraud, attempting to obtain to property by false pretense and felony conspiracy.

The Department of Insurance employs 20 law enforcement officers that are dedicated to investigating and prosecuting claims of insurance and bail bonding fraud. Since Goodwin took office in 2008, criminal investigators have received more than 11,000 complaints, which resulted in 505 arrests, 286 criminal convictions, and more than 100 cases that are currently pending a court appearance. These arrests have resulted in more than $44 million being recovered for victims or paid into restitution.

The North Carolina Department of insurance estimates that 10 cents of every dollar that is paid in premiums goes toward the payment of fraudulent claims.