Five Durham residents accused of staging auto accidents to collect insurance money have been arrested, the state Insurance Department reported Tuesday.
Those arrested and charged with a single count of attempting to obtain property by false pretenses are: Jaime Farrah Boxley, 36, of 305 Avon Lake Drive; Christa Sharif Smith, 27, and Deanna Liles Smith, 52, of 812 Shari Court; Christie Shari Smith, 27, of 340 Avon Lake Drive; and Lashaunnette Mary Smith, 32, of 4001 Meriwether Drive.
Insurance Department investigators allege that each of the individuals conspired to stage accidents in an attempt to collect payment for claimed injuries over a 10-year period. The department began its investigation after several insurance company representatives linked 16 auto accidence involving claims for injuries and medical expenses even though there was little or no damage to the vehicles.
David Ranii has been a business reporter at The News & Observer since 1993. Over the years he has covered information technology, banking, insurance, the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, media businesses and real estate. Contact him at 919-829-4877 or