Categories: Breaking NewsCrimeNewsNorth Myrtle Beach, SC

North Myrtle Beach Residents Shocked by Alleged Insurance Scam

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News Summary

An alleged insurance scam is shaking North Myrtle Beach residents after a vehicle crash involving a rented U-Haul and a Hyundai raised suspicions of fraud. The incident, which occurred hours after the truck was leased, has led to an investigation into the backgrounds of those involved, revealing connections and a concerning pattern of previous insurance claims. Although no criminal charges have been filed yet, local authorities are actively pursuing the case, leaving the community anxious for answers and potential justice.

North Myrtle Beach Residents Shocked by Alleged Insurance Scam

In a twist of events that has left many scratching their heads, a vehicle crash in North Myrtle Beach is being investigated as an attempted insurance fraud scheme involving several individuals. The crash, which took place shortly after a U-Haul truck was rented, has raised eyebrows among local authorities and the rental company.

The Crash That Started It All

On June 4, 2024, Tiesheam Johnson from Whiteville, North Carolina, leased a U-Haul rental truck and just hours later, drove it into the back of a Hyundai on Circle Bay Drive. It is reported that Johnson attempted to add an impressive $1 million in supplemental liability insurance to his rental agreement but was unsuccessful in doing so. As if that weren’t curious enough, Johnson, the driver of the U-Haul, later claimed he tried to stop the vehicle before the crash occurred.

A Gathering of Friends or a Staged Scheme?

The crash included a party of other defendants: Byron Butler of Tabor City, NC, riding in the U-Haul, and Latisha Colebrooke of Longs, SC, behind the wheel of the Hyundai, along with passengers Tanisha Lawrence from Conway, SC, and Anngulletta Thurmond from Longs, SC. Interestingly, despite their connections, all individuals involved initially claimed not to know each other.

However, as the investigation unfolded, a connection was uncovered. Thurmond admitted that Butler was actually her friend, while investigators also discovered that Butler and Thurmond had previously filed another insurance claim related to a Lincoln Navigator that was burned in a fire. Furthermore, social media sleuthing revealed that Johnson, Colebrooke, Lawrence, and Butler were indeed connected through Facebook.

The Medical Claims Pour In

Following the incident, all individuals involved in both vehicles reported injuries and were promptly transported by emergency medical services. It seems that the claims for injury began to stack up quickly. However, data from the U-Haul showed a completely different story, indicating that Johnson’s rental truck accelerated to 34 mph right before impact, with no trace of braking. This discrepancy has led investigators to suspect foul play.

A History of Insurance Claims

This incident isn’t just an isolated event. A closer look at the parties involved reveals a concerning pattern of behavior. Colebrooke has been associated with seven loss claims, Lawrence with twenty, Johnson with two, Butler with eight, and Thurmond with four. These claim numbers have raised red flags for U-Haul, as they suspect a potential insurance fraud ring operating in and around Conway, SC.

The Company Responds

U-Haul has a dedicated investigations team that looks into such matters and is treating this situation seriously. The company is actively seeking a judgment in court to confirm that the crash was staged in order to deny any benefits Johnson might seek under his rental agreement. If confirmed, this could void his access to potential benefits, which could include up to $50,000 in property damage and bodily injury claims for each person involved.

No Criminal Charges Yet

As of now, there haven’t been any criminal charges filed against the defendants regarding these allegations, leaving the community wondering what the ultimate outcome will be. With local authorities looking into the matter, these individuals may not have heard the last of it.

The saga continues, as residents watch and wait to see how this storyline unfolds in North Myrtle Beach. Will justice be served, or are the defendants prepared to fight this one out in court? Only time will tell.