Siblings arrested in insurance fraud investigation

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A brother and sister are facing fraud charges for allegedly stealing nearly $80,000 from Allstate Insurance.

According to Insurance Commissioner Ralph Hudgens, an investigation shows that 42-year-old Arleatha Martin produced fake accident claims in her brother, 36-year-old Christopher Battle’s name.

Settlement checks were then directed to Battle’s air and heating company. A total of $79,538.71 was issued to Battle.

Commissioner Hudgens says “Insurance fraud ultimately hurts the Georgia consumer, who ends up paying higher premiums to cover losses from fraud.”

The investigation shows even the names of Battle’s children were used in a bus accident claim that the kids were never involved in.

Martin and Battle are both charged with 7 counts of insurance fraud, 7 counts of theft by deception and 3 counts of identity theft.