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Warren County man charged with insurance fraud involving restaurant claims

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A man from Warren County, Melvin Junior Jones, has been charged with insurance fraud for falsely claiming he found cockroaches in his food at a KFC. He tried to get $4,000 from the restaurant's insurance. Investigators found he made similar claims at two Waffle House locations and a Denny’s between August 2024 and August 2025. Jones is out on a $40,000 bond while awaiting court dates. Insurance fraud affects everyone by raising costs, so if you suspect fraud, report it to the North Carolina Department of Insurance.
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RALEIGH Aug 27, 2026 North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey today announced the arrest of Melvin Junior Jones, 53, of 673 Largo Rd., Norlina. Jones was charged with one count of insurance fraud and one count of attempting to obtain property by false pretense. Both are felonies. Special agents with the Department of Insurance Criminal Investigations Division accuse Jones of falsely reporting that he found two cockroaches in his food at a Creedmoor KFC. His insurance claim sought approximately $4,000 in payment from the restaurant’s business policy with PMA Insurance Group. Investigators discovered that Jones had also filed similar claims regarding two separate Waffle House locations and a Denny’s Restaurant. The four instances occurred between Aug. 15, 2024, and Aug. 7, 2025. Jones was released under a $40,000 secured bond pending future Granville County Court dates. “Insurance fraud is not a victimless crime,” Commissioner Causey said. “It hits all of us in the pocket through higher premiums and higher prices.” 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 Fraud Control/Investigations Investigations Press Release