NC Insurance Agent Charged with 72 Felonies for Life Insurance Fraud

Ashley Barnhardt, an insurance agent from Locust, North Carolina, has been charged with 72 felonies including financial identity theft, forgery, and obtaining property by false pretense.

She allegedly used client and beneficiary identification details to fraudulently secure commissions from two life insurance companies, amassing over $25,000 since 2023. Barnhardt, who owns Barnstormer Insurance Group, had been licensed since 2019 and appointed with seven life insurers.

Following her arrest, she posted a $152,500 bond and is scheduled for an initial court appearance in Stanly County District Court. North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey emphasized the commitment to combat insurance fraud and recognized industry efforts in exposing this case.