RALEIGH – Two coastal people have been arrested for insurance fraud. Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin announced the arrests of Dewayne Dudley, 35, of 203 Lynches Beach Road, Bayboro, and Elegant Adele Jackson, 30, of 125 Great Oak Court, Havelock; each is charged with one count each of insurance fraud and attempting to obtain property by false pretense in Wake County.

Department of Insurance criminal investigators accuse Dudley and Jackson of attempting to obtain payment from United Services Automobile Association by submitting false paperwork in support of an automobile accident claim on Feb. 28, 2015.

Dudley was arrested in Pamlico County on Dec. 29 and placed under a $5,000 bond. Jackson was arrested in Wake County on Dec. 29 and placed under a $10,000 bond.

The Department of Insurance 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 made more than 1,500 arrests, resulting in more than 750 criminal convictions with more than 250 cases currently pending court. These efforts have delivered more than $72.1 million in restitution and recoveries for victims.

An estimated 10 cents of every dollar paid in premiums goes toward the payment of fraudulent claims. To report suspected fraud, contact the Department of Insurance Criminal Investigations Division at 919-807-6840. Callers may remain anonymous.