For Immediate Release:	Contact:
July 28, 2008	Chrissy Pearson
	Kristin Milam
	(919) 733-5238
Archdale Man Arrested, Charged in Medicare Advantage Scheme
RALEIGH -- Insurance Commissioner Jim Long today announced the arrest of Jason David Fishel, 33, of 106 Deerfield Place, Archdale. Fishel was arrested by a Department of Insurance investigator and charged with one count of obtaining property by false pretense. He was processed at the Randolph County jail under a $100,000 unsecured bond.
Investigators allege the following:
Fishel was a licensed agent with the Assurance Group Inc. on Prospect St. in Archdale. During a period of time between January 2007 and May 2007, he submitted nearly 300 applications for Medicare Advantage policies that were fraudulent, using information from prior clients without their knowledge. Fishel received advanced commissions on these policies of more than $83,000.
The information was entered into the agency's database, but never actually processed, so no consumers were harmed, investigators believe. Fishel surrendered his agent's license to the Department in April.
The Randolph County Sheriff's Office assisted with this case.
The Department of Insurance employs 20 sworn law enforcement officers dedicated to investigating claims of insurance fraud. In 2007, these investigators saw more than 525 cases successfully closed with more than $14.5 million in restitution and recoveries, 53 criminal convictions and 109 arrests.
To report suspected fraud, contact the Department of Insurance Investigations Division at (919) 807-6840. Callers may remain anonymous. Information is also available at the NC-DOI Web site.
-- NCDOI --