North Carolina Woman Arrested in Alleged Staged Robbery for Insurance

North Carolina officials report that a Wilson woman has been arrested for allegedly staging a robbery to collect insurance money.

Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin announced the arrest of Leslie Michelle Nowell.

Department investigators allege that Nowell filed a police report with the Wilson Police Department stating she was robbed of assorted jewelry, pocket books and cash while working at her store, Divine Decor & Gift. Investigators further allege that Nowell staged the robbery.

According to the arrest warrants, Nowell received two checks from Nationwide Insurance Co. totaling $6,693 for false insurance claims stemming from a robbery that did not occur. The Department of Insurance Criminal Investigations Division opened the investigation after receiving a tip.

Nowell is charged with on two counts each of insurance fraud and obtaining property by false pretense. She was processed at the Wilson County Jail and placed under a $1,000 secured bond, according to officials.