A former insurance agent from Kannapolis has been formally accused of several serious offenses, including forgery and embezzlement. Lori Ann Crisp, 56, stands charged with utilizing deceitful practices to misappropriate funds intended for insurance policies, according to a release from North Carolina's Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey's office.
Alleged to have deceptively obtained $2,925.27 from a client for a homeowners' and automobile policy without funneling the payment to the insurance policy itself, Crisp's questionable actions apparently took place between August 2023 and September 2024. This former insurance agent is contending not just with felony charges, but also a set of misdemeanors, comprised of fabricating a false statement to a law enforcement officer and illegally acting as an insurance producer without an appropriate license. These charges were brought forth following an investigation conducted by the Department of Insurance’s Criminal Investigations Division.
The ongoing investigation may yet unveil further misconduct, prompting Commissioner Causey to make a public appeal for vigilance against insurance fraud. In a statement obtained by NCDOI, Causey underscored the broader repercussions of such white collar crimes, stating, "White collar crimes like this are not victimless crimes," and highlighting the trickle-down effect which can lead to increased premiums for the law-abiding policyholders.
Commissioner Causey has also encouraged residents to stay proactive in combating fraud, reiterating the importance of reporting any suspicious activity. The N.C. Department of Insurance Criminal Investigations Division has made it possible to anonymously report any acts that might raise eyebrows. Not one to merely observe from the sidelines, residents can proactively engage in upholding the integrity of the insurance industry. The contact points facilitate a straightforward process—citizens can dial 919-807-6840, or toll-free at 888-680-7684 anywhere within North Carolina, to relay their concerns.
As for the accused, Crisp was served with a criminal summons back in September.
