GASTON COUNTY, N.C. — Two Gastonia women have been charged in a staged rental truck crash aimed at defrauding insurers, officials announced Thursday.

April Montero, 37, and Deborah Brown face felony counts of insurance fraud and conspiracy to commit fraud. Investigators say the pair staged a U-Haul accident on April 10.

Brown was arrested Aug. 13 and held without bond. She was arrested earlier this year for possession of a stolen vehicle, breaking and entering, and failing to appear in court. Brown has convictions for drug charges and larceny in Lincoln County, according to court records.

Montero was arrested Tuesday, Sept. 30 and received a $2,500 secured bond. She is due in Gaston County District Court on Oct. 21.

“Insurance fraud is not a victimless crime,” Mike Causey, North Caro

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