Roofing Scam Sting Results in Arrest, More Charges Pending

N.C. DOI and Farm Bureau investigators say suspect faked storm roof damage to support a $30,000 insurance claim; a second arrest is expected.

By Tanja Kern, Senior Strategic Content Editor

Charlotte, N.C., skyline — Photo by Mahoney Fotos.

A North Carolina roofing company employee has been arrested and charged with multiple felonies after a state-led sting operation uncovered an alleged scheme to fake storm damage and file a fraudulent $30,000 insurance claim.

North Carolinan Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey announced that a roof scam sting operation coordinated with the Department’s fraud investigators and Farm Bureau’s Special Investigations Unit has yielded the arrest of one man, with a second arrest pending.

Robert Allen Bentley, 36, of Charlotte, N.C., a senior project manager with A&M Premier Roofing & Construction, was arrested on Dec. 10 and charged with insurance fraud, attempted obtaining property by false pretense, and conspiracy. All three charges are felonies.

According to the arrest warrant, Bentley conspired with a co-worker to defraud North Carolina Farm Bureau Insurance Group by damaging and bending shingles on the roof of a Wake County home and then claiming that the roof damage was caused by wind and hail. The false claim was an attempt to obtain a $30,000 claim from the insurance company.

“Roofing scams are serious crimes, and I want to thank Farm Bureau for partnering with the Department’s special agents in this two-month investigation,” Commissioner Causey said. “Roof scammers should be on alert that our special agents as well as insurance companies are active in efforts to make a dent in this crime, which costs insurance companies and homeowners’ insurance premium payers alike.”

The fraud investigation employed a sting operation using what is known as a “bait house” to catch employees of roofing companies intentionally damaging a roof to create repair work for themselves and to support a fraudulent insurance claim.

During the operation, investigators employed an engineering expert, advanced surveillance techniques and good old-fashioned police work to build the case. The North Carolina Farm Bureau provided material support to this investigation and was integral to the operation's success.

“Insurance fraud harms Farm Bureau’s customers by raising premiums,” said Shawn Harding, North Carolina Farm Bureau president. “That’s why we partnered with Commissioner Causey and the Department of Insurance in this successful sting operation. We’re pleased that the individuals charged are being held accountable, and we look forward to continuing to work with the Commissioner and the Department to prevent and deter fraud in the roofing industry.”

Consumers may anonymously report fraud by calling the N.C. Department of Insurance Criminal Investigations Division at 919-807-6840 or toll free from anywhere in North Carolina at 888-680-7684.

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Tanja Kern covers economic trends and the intersection of architecture, design, and construction for Roofing Contractor, with an emphasis on the forces reshaping the industry. She develops and amplifies content that connects roofing professionals with the intelligence they need to compete and grow.

With more than 20 years of experience, Tanja has written for national business, consumer and trade publications. She holds a Master of Science in magazine publishing from Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism.