RALEIGH — A Red Springs insurance agent has been charged with embezzlement, according to a statement from Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin.

Jonathan Garrett Chavis, 22, of 470 Murph McLaughlin Road, is charged with embezzlement by an insurance agent and obtaining property by false pretense.

According to the statement, Chavis embezzled insurance premiums of $1,200 from multiple customers from Aug. 1 through Sept. 1 of this year while he was working as an insurance agent for United Insurance Company of America. The investigation by the Department of Insurance began after representatives from the insurance agency found inconsistencies in its accounts, according to the statement.

Chavis was arrested on Thursday and is being held on $2,000 bond. His first scheduled court appearance is today.

According to Goodwin’s office, an estimated 10 cents of every dollar paid in premiums goes toward the payment of fraudulent claims. To report suspected fraud, call the Department of Insurance Criminal Investigations Division at 919-807-6840. Callers may remain anonymous. Information is also available at www.ncdoi.com.