RALEIGH -- Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin announced the arrest of Holly Nichol Smith, 28, of 123 Dublin Court, Four Oaks; she is charged with one count each of insurance fraud and obtaining property by false pretense.

Department of Insurance criminal investigators accuse Smith of claiming damages to her vehicle that intentionally mislead GEICO Indemnity Insurance Company about the location the damages occurred. Investigators allege Smith intentionally mislead GEICO to receive collision payments and a rental car.

Smith was arrested on Nov. 4 in Johnston County and place under a $50,000 bond.

The Department of Insurance employs 20 sworn state law enforcement officers dedicated to investigating and prosecuting claims of insurance and bail bonding fraud. Since Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin took office in 2009, criminal investigators have made more than 1,500 arrests, resulting in more than 750 criminal convictions with more than 250 cases currently pending court. These efforts have delivered more than $72.1 million in restitution and recoveries for victims.

An estimated 10 cents of every dollar paid in premiums goes toward the payment of fraudulent claims.