Bladen Co. couple charged with insurance fraud

BLADEN COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — Officials with the NC Department of Insurance say a Bladen County couple is facing fraud charges after a 2014 house fire.

Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin says Bradley Townsend, 39, and Moneat Townsend, 37, are both facing chargers including insurance fraud and conspiracy. Officials say they were arrested Tuesday. Investigators say the couple live off of Highway 41 in Elizabethtown.

Investigators say after a fire at their home in December of 2014, the husband and wife made several misrepresentations during a claim to State Farm and Life of the South Insurance companies. They say the couple overinflated the costs of damaged items and gave other false information to receive more than $30,000 in benefits.

Both suspects were placed in jail under a $5,000 bond.