RALEIGH, N.C. — A Raleigh man, Timothy Darnell Montague Jr., and a co-defendant were arrested and charged with multiple felonies in connection with an insurance fraud scheme, according to officials from the North Carolina Department of Insurance (NCDOI).
The case highlights a persistent and costly issue that state officials are actively working to combat.
According to a statement from N.C. Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey, Timothy Darnell Montague Jr., 22 at the time of the arrest, and Akira Veneta Montague, also 22, both residents of Raleigh, were charged with felony insurance fraud and attempting to obtain property by false pretense.
The charges stem from an investigation by Special Agents with the NCDOI’s Criminal Investigations Division. Authorities allege that the Montagues provided false and doctored documents related to items they reported as stolen. The filing was part of an attempt to obtain a payout of $3,060.97 from a rental insurance claim filed with American National Insurance Co.
The alleged offenses took place over several months, occurring between September 4, 2019, and April 2, 2020. Both individuals were arrested by Special Agents and officers of the Raleigh Police Department on August 23, 2020, and were scheduled for appearances in Wake County District Court.
While the amount in this specific case was just over $3,000, Commissioner Causey has repeatedly emphasized that insurance fraud is not a victimless crime. It represents a significant financial drain on the state’s economy that ultimately impacts all residents.
“Insurance fraud costs North Carolinians between 15 and 20 cents on every dollar paid on insurance premiums,” Commissioner Causey stated when announcing the arrests. He noted that the cost of fraud is passed on to consumers, resulting in higher rates for everyone.
The NCDOI has categorized insurance fraud as a major white-collar crime and has significantly increased its efforts to investigate and prosecute offenders. The Criminal Investigations Division, which handled the Montague case, is a key part of this statewide crackdown.
This focused effort has reportedly yielded significant results. In the two years prior to this case, NCDOI Special Agents had recovered over $7.5 million in damages—funds that were returned to consumers and insurance companies. Officials assert that this restitution is critical to helping preserve stable insurance rates for the public.
The department investigates various forms of insurance fraud, from small-scale rental claims, like the one Timothy Montague Jr. is accused of, to complex, large-scale operations involving multiple parties.
The NCDOI’s Criminal Investigations Division employs sworn law enforcement officers across the state who are responsible for investigating criminal violations of insurance laws. This includes cases of fake claims, application fraud, and agent misconduct.
In cases like the one in Raleigh, investigators often uncover falsified receipts, bogus police reports, or misrepresentations of fact—all submitted with the intent to deceive an insurer. The charges of “attempting to obtain property by false pretense” and “insurance fraud” are both serious felonies in North Carolina, carrying the potential for active prison time, probation, and significant fines if convicted.
Commissioner Causey continues to urge the public to assist in these efforts, asking residents to report any suspected cases of fraud. The department maintains an anonymous tip line to encourage individuals to come forward with information that could lead to an investigation.
People Also Ask
Who is Timothy Darnell Montague Jr. from North Carolina?
Timothy Darnell Montague Jr. is a resident of Raleigh, North Carolina, who was arrested and charged in August 2020 with felony insurance fraud and attempting to obtain property by false pretense.
What was Timothy Montague accused of?
North Carolina Department of Insurance officials accused Timothy Montague Jr. and a co-defendant, Akira Veneta Montague, of providing false documents for items they reported as stolen in an attempt to receive a $3,060.97 rental insurance claim payment.
What is insurance fraud in North Carolina?
Insurance fraud is any act committed with the intent to fraudulently obtain some benefit or advantage from an insurance company. This includes filing false claims, faking injuries, providing false information on an application, or creating fake documents to support a claim.
What are the penalties for insurance fraud in NC?
In North Carolina, insurance fraud is typically a felony. Penalties can be severe and may include imprisonment, substantial fines, and a court order to pay restitution to the victims. The exact sentence depends on the severity of the fraud and the individual’s criminal history.
Who investigates insurance fraud in North Carolina?
The North Carolina Department of Insurance (NCDOI) Criminal Investigations Division is the primary state law enforcement agency responsible for investigating insurance fraud and other criminal violations of the state’s insurance laws.
Why did NC Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey comment on this case?
As the head of the NCDOI, Commissioner Causey often uses specific arrests to raise public awareness about the broader issue of insurance fraud and its financial impact on all citizens of the state.
What insurance company was involved in the Montague case?
According to the NCDOI press release, the fraudulent claim was allegedly filed with American National Insurance Co.
How does insurance fraud affect the public?
State officials estimate that insurance fraud costs North Carolinians 15 to 20 cents on every dollar paid for premiums. These losses are passed on from insurance companies to consumers in the form of higher rates.
What is “attempting to obtain property by false pretense”?
This is a felony charge in North Carolina. It means a person knowingly and intentionally used a false representation of a fact (like a fake document) to try and obtain money, property, or anything of value from another person or entity.
How can you report suspected insurance fraud in North Carolina?
The North Carolina Department of Insurance encourages the public to report suspected fraud by calling their Criminal Investigations Division or using an online reporting tool. Callers are permitted to remain anonymous.
