McDowell County man charged with three counts of extortion

North CarolinaInsurance Commissioner Mike Causey today announced the arrest of Brody Alan Hankinson, 48, of 105 Whispering Pines Drive, Marion, NC. Hankinson is charged with three counts of extortion, all felonies.

According to special agents with the Department of Insurance's Criminal Investigations Division, Hankinson violently threatened three insurance agents from NC Farm Bureau Insurance because he said he had yet to be paid from a claim that he filed. Special agents and Farm Bureau have alleged that Hankinson's claim is fraudulent.

According to the arrest warrants, the offenses occurred on July 5 and 11.

Hankinson is currently being held in Jacksonville, Florida under a $90,000 secured bond for unrelated charges. An extradition hold has been placed on Hankinson for the outstanding charges in North Carolina. Agents collaborated with the McDowell County Sheriff's Office and with the Marion Police Department on this case.

"Thanks to our agents and the other law enforcement agencies involved in this case," Commissioner Causey said. "I know the public will feel safer knowing that someone capable of communicating dangerous intents is behind bars."

If you suspect insurance fraud or other white-collar crimes, please report it. You 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.

Information is also available at www.ncdoi.gov.

Related Topics:

• NCDOI

  NC Department of Insurance Press Release

• Investigations

  Investigations Press Release