Seven arrested, two suspects still sought
The N.C Department of Insurance arrested on Thursday, Sept. 8 seven area residents accused of engaging in an insurance fraud scheme involving staged accidents.
The N.C. Department of Insurance, which conducted the investigation and made the arrests, said the total estimated losses associated with the claims are in excess of $100,000.
N.C. Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin announced the arrests last week and is asking the public for help in locating two additional suspects.
The following individuals were arrested:
• Ashley Leija Hannon, 25, of 406 Spindale St., Spindale, N.C., was charged with 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.
• Janice Hannon, 56, of 209 N. Howard Ave., Landrum, was charged with two counts of insurance fraud, and one count each of felony conspiracy, continuing a criminal enterprise, attempting to obtain property by false pretense and obtaining property by false pretense.
• Julius Jamal Hannon, 34, of 586 Markham Road, Tryon, was charged with one count of felony conspiracy.
• Tyreke Hannon, 18, of 209 N. Howard Ave., Landrum, was charged with one count each of insurance fraud and attempting to obtain property by false pretense.
• Domonique Deshae Miller, 19, of 209 N. Howard Ave., Landrum, was charged with one count each of insurance fraud and attempting to obtain property by false pretense.
• Christopher Nesbitt, 23, of 108 W. Tucker St., Landrum, was charged with one count each of felony conspiracy and 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, of 209 N. Howard Ave., Landrum, was charged with one count each of insurance fraud and attempting to obtain property by false pretense.
Investigators are also seeking Michael Kareem Hannon, 26, of 740 E. Howard St., Tryon, and Randy Bashawn Littlejohn, 36, of 111 Gold Medallion Drive, Bostic, N.C.
Michael Hannon is wanted on charges of insurance fraud, obtaining property by false pretense, attempting to obtain property by false pretense, felony conspiracy and continuing a criminal enterprise, according to the N.C. Insurance Commission.
Randy Littlejohn is wanted on charges of insurance fraud, attempting to obtain property by false pretense and felony conspiracy, according to department of insurance reports.
The department of insurance said the investigation was ongoing for two years. Investigators alleged the individuals participated in a staged accident ring in and around Polk County.
Investigators said the suspects are either family members or close acquaintances and are charged with filing false insurance claims. Insurance carriers who allegedly received false claims from the suspects include Progressive, GMAC, Allstate, Safeco, Geico and Liberty Mutual, according to the department of insurance.
The suspects were arrested with the assistance of the National Insurance Crime Bureau, Polk County Sheriff’s Office, Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office, Landrum Police Department and Tryon Police Department, according to the department of insurance.
As of Sept. 9, Ashley Hannon was being held on a $150,000 secured bond; Janice Hannon was being held on a $12,000 secured bond and Julius Hannon was being held on a $20,000 secured bond, according to reports.
Dominique Miller was released on a written promise to return to court, while Tyreke Hannon, Christopher Nesbitt and Khadsha Webster were released to the custody of their parents, according to the insurance commission report.
Criminal investigators are requesting the public’s assistance in locating Randy Littlejohn and Michael Hannon. Hannon was last seen driving a silver Dodge Charger with Florida license plates.
Anyone with information on their whereabouts is encouraged to contact the Tryon Police Department at 828-859-9195, or the N.C. Department of Insurance Criminal Investigations Division at 919-807-6840.
According to the N.C. Department of Insurance, the department employs 20 sworn state law enforcement officers dedicated to investigating and prosecuting claims of insurance and bail bonding fraud. Since insurance commissioner Goodwin took office in 2008, criminal investigators have received more than 11,000 complaints resulting in 505 arrests, 286 criminal convictions and more than 100 cases currently pending a court appearance. These arrests have resulted in more than $44 million in restitution and recoveries for victims.
An estimated 10 cents of every dollar paid in premiums goes toward the payment of fraudulent claims, according to the department of insurance.
To report suspected fraud, contact the N.C. Department of Insurance Criminal Investigations Division at 919-807-6840. Callers may remain anonymous. Information is also available at www.ncdoi.com.