North Carolina Insurance Agent Accused of Embezzlement

North Carolina insurance officials announced the arrest of Harry Bernard Laughlin of Charlotte on 28 felony counts of embezzlement by an insurance agent.

Department of Insurance criminal investigators allege that between August 2013 and March 2014, while acting as owner and agent of HBL Insurance Agency, Laughlin collected $27,000 in premium payments from 10 customers and re-directed those funds for his personal use.

Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin said the department launched an investigation after it received complaints from consumers who were given certificates of insurance, but later learned they had no coverage.

Goodwin said Laughlin was arrested on Nov. 19 in Mecklenburg County.