N.C. Resident Arrested on Fraud Charges

North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Jim Long announced the arrest of Denise Sharon Hargrove, 37, of Raleigh, on charges of insurance fraud. Hargrove allegedly stole nearly $170,000 in fraudulent disability claims from three insurance companies. She was arrested in Raleigh by Department of Insurance investigators.

Hargrove, formerly employed by the Department of Transportation, was charged with three counts of obtaining property by false pretenses and two counts of forgery.

After claiming that an accident last July blinded her, Hargrove allegedly perpetrated her crimes by faking the letterhead of at least one doctor and one lawyer, both of whom were completely unaware of her actions. She then allegedly used the letterheads to support her claims of disability and collect insurance payments. At least three companies were allegedly victimized in this case – Globe Life and Accident, Jefferson Pilot and Mutual of Omaha. The investigation is still ongoing.

Hargrove is believed to have used the claims payments to purchase two homes and a hair salon, Design by Denise, at 520 E. Hargett St.

This case will be prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Ned Mangum of the Wake County District Attorney’s Office.