Jacksonville woman charged with faking hospital bills to obtain insurance payouts


North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey today announced the arrest of Catelynn Nicolle Marstin, 31, of 404 S. Bridge Drive, Jacksonville. Marstin was charged with eight counts of insurance fraud, four counts of obtaining property by false pretense and four counts of attempting to obtain property by false pretense, all felonies.

Special agents with the Department of Insurance’s Criminal Investigations Division accuse Marstin of filing fraudulent medical records from Onslow Memorial Hospital to obtain insurance claims payments from Aflac.

According to the arrest warrants, Marstin obtained $27,320 from Aflac as a result of the false claims and attempted to obtain an additional $34,675.

The offenses occurred between July 10, 2018, and May 1, 2019.

Marstin was arrested on Jan. 11. She was released on a written promise to appear in court.

“It troubles me that some people think insurance fraud is a victimless crime,” Commissioner Causey said. “Nearly 20 cents of every insurance premium dollar goes to cover the cost of insurance fraud. Consumers are the real victims of this kind of criminal behavior.”

Over the past three years, CID Special Agents recovered nearly $12 million used in fraudulent activities. That money has been returned to consumers and insurance companies.  The restitution also helps preserve insurance rates.

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.gov

 



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Angela Brown
Angela Brown is the author of our Business & Economy section.