Two Gastonia Women Charged With Insurance Fraud After Staging U-Haul Crash
GASTON COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA — Two women from Gastonia are facing felony charges after investigators say they staged a U-Haul crash earlier this year as part of an insurance fraud scheme.
Fraudulent U-Haul Crash
According to the North Carolina Department of Insurance, April Montero, 37, and Deborah Brown conspired to fake a U-Haul accident on April 10, 2025, in an attempt to collect fraudulent insurance payouts.
Arrests and Court Dates
Brown was arrested on August 13 and remains in custody without bond. Court records show she has a history of prior arrests, including possession of a stolen vehicle, breaking and entering, and failure to appear in court. She also has prior convictions on drug charges and larceny in Lincoln County.
Montero was arrested on September 30 and released on a $2,500 secured bond. She is scheduled to appear in Gaston County District Court on October 21.
Officials Warn of Impact
North Carolina Commissioner of Insurance Mike Causey stressed that fraud cases like this affect more than just insurers.
“Insurance fraud is not a victimless crime,” Causey said. “It hits all of us in the pocket through higher premiums.”
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities did not specify how much the women attempted to claim or whether the staged crash involved other vehicles. The case remains under investigation, and additional charges could be filed.
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