TABOR CITY – Four Tabor City residents have been arrested in connection with an alleged staged auto accident; investigators seek two other suspects in association with the case, according to the North Carolina Department of Insurance.

Investigators accuse the group of six of conspiring in an effort to commit insurance fraud against Peak Property and Casualty Insurance Company by providing false statements after allegedly staging an automobile accident in June 2015. Investigators allege they falsely claimed not to know the occupants of the other car in the accident, when all six are related to one another.

Patricia Riggins Sumpter, 53, of 15 Tillman Ave., Tabor City, was charged with two counts of felony conspiracy and one count each of attempting to obtain property by false pretense, insurance fraud and making false statements on an application for insurance. Patricia Sumpter was arrested on March 26 in Columbus County and placed under a $7,500 bond.

Iesha Dashawn Sumpter, 24, of 15 Tillman Ave., Tabor City, was charged with two counts of felony conspiracy and one count of attempting to obtain property by false pretense. Iesha Sumpter was arrested on March 26 in Columbus County and placed under a $5,000 bond.

Rachel Yvette Galloway, 32, of 45 Ashley Ave., Tabor City, was charged with two counts of felony conspiracy and one count each of insurance fraud and attempting to obtain property by false pretense. Rachel Galloway was arrested on March 29 in Columbus County and placed under a $5,000 bond.

Ernestine Galloway, 50, of 45 Ashley Ave., Tabor City, was charged with two counts of felony conspiracy and one count each of insurance fraud and attempting to obtain property by false pretense. Ernestine Galloway was arrested on March 29 in Columbus County and placed under a $5,000 bond.

Elfonza Demetrius Riggins, 29, of 15 Tillman Ave., Tabor City, is wanted for two counts of felony conspiracy and one count each of insurance fraud and attempting to obtain property by false pretense. Hattis Tean Galloway, 34, 379 Kinlaw Drive, Tabor City, is wanted for two counts of felony conspiracy and one count of insurance fraud.

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. Information is also available at www.ncdoi.com.