Insurance Commissioner Jim Long announced Wednesday the arrest of David J. Thorton, 29, of 313 Sedgebrook Dr., Cary, and Jonathan Q. Ward, 19, 4400 Parkwood Dr., Raleigh. Both men were arrested Saturday by Department of Insurance investigators.

Thorton was charged with one count of soliciting bail bond business; Ward was charged with one count of soliciting bail bond business and one count of acting as an unlicensed bail bondsmen. They were processed at the Wake County Sheriff's Office where Thorton received a $500 secured bond and Ward received a $1,000 secured bond.

Bail bondsmen must be licensed and may not solicit bail bond business within 100 feet of a location where prisoners are confined. Department Investigators allege that Thornton solicited bail bonding business from a couple attempting to bond an individual out of jail; a Sheriff's Office deputy, who was involved in the operation, witnessed Thorton approach the couple and solicit this business inside the Wake County Public Safety Center. Department Investigators further allege that Ward, who is not a licensed bail bondsman, approached the Department's undercover investigators soliciting bail bond business just a few feet from the entrance to the Wake County Public Safety Center.

Department investigators organized the undercover operation with the cooperation of the Wake County Sheriff's Office. This operation came in response to several complaints from citizens who were solicited by bail bondsmen at the Wake County Public Safety Center. Wake County Sheriff's Office approached the Department for assistance with the complaints because the Department regulates bail bonding licensing.

The Department of Insurance employs 20 sworn law enforcement officers dedicated to investigating claims of insurance fraud and criminal violations related to the Department's regulatory authority. In 2007, these investigators saw more than 525 cases successfully closed with more than $14.5 million in restitution and recoveries, 53 criminal convictions and 109 arrests.

To report suspected fraud, contact the Department of Insurance Investigations Division at (919) 807-6840. Callers may remain anonymous. Information is also available here.