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Statesville bail bondsman arrested
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Published: March 27, 2009
RALEIGH — North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin today announced the arrest of two bail bondsmen, R. Vinson Smith, 43, of Statesville and Barry Hicks, 50, of Efland, on charges of assault.
In a joint investigation with the Statesville Police Department, DOI Investigators allege that Hicks and Smith assaulted both the individual they were attempting to take into custody and a female companion.
Smith is charged with one count of carrying a concealed weapon, one count of assault of inflicting serious bodily injury and one count of felony breaking and entering. Hicks is charged with one count of assault on a female and one count of felony breaking and entering. Both men were taken to the Iredell County Sheriff's Office.
The Department of Insurance employs 20 sworn law enforcement officers dedicated to investigating claims of insurance fraud. In 2008, these investigators saw more than 453 cases successfully closed with more than $5.8 million in restitution and recoveries, 60 criminal convictions and 130 arrests.
An estimated 10 cents of every dollar paid in premiums goes toward the payment of fraudulent claims. To report suspected fraud, contact the Department of Insurance Investigations Division at 919-807-6840. Callers may remain anonymous. Information is also available at www.ncdoi.com
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