Former N.C. DOT Employee Facing More Charges

North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Jim Long announced that the investigation into former Department of Transportation employee Denise Sharon Hargrove, 37, of Raleigh, turned up additional allegations of fraud.

Department of Insurance investigators charged Hargrove this week with a fourth count of obtaining property by false pretenses — this time for allegedly collecting $500,000 in fraudulent disability claims.

Hargrove, who was first arrested on May 13, remains in the Wake County jail under a $750,000 bond.

“Thanks to media coverage on Hargrove’s case, a fourth insurance company came forward to tell us that they too were allegedly cheated,” said Long. “Once again it proves that tips are invaluable to our investigations. If you know or suspect that someone is committing insurance fraud, we want to hear from you!”

Hargrove was charged last week 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 unaware of her actions. She then allegedly used the letterheads to support her claims of disability and collect approximately $170,000 in insurance payments.

Reliance-Standard Life Insurance Company became the fourth alleged victim of Hargrove’s scam. Three others — All American Income Life, Jefferson Pilot and Mutual of Omaha — were also listed as victims.

The investigation remains open, and any other company that may have paid claims submitted by Hargrove is encouraged to contact DOI investigators.