County risk manager says state insurance investigators found no criminal activity in Travis suit; commissioners defended by insurer
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Summary
Rockingham County’s safety and risk manager told the board Travelers Insurance provided representation to commissioners named in a 2023 suit and that the North Carolina Department of Insurance closed its inquiry finding no evidence of criminal activity; he called public accusations against staff and insurers baseless and defamatory.
Chris Elliott, the county’s safety and risk manager, addressed claims raised in recent public comments and a complaint filed with the state Department of Insurance, telling the Rockingham County Board of Commissioners on Feb. 16 that the insurer — Travelers — had provided defense for commissioners named in a 2023 lawsuit and that the state’s inquiry had been closed without finding criminal activity.
Elliott described how insurers handle claims, including reservation‑of‑rights letters and investigations to determine coverage. "The insurer then investigates the claim to determine liability and coverage under the policy," he explained, and said Travelers elected to provide representation for the commissioners named in Travis’s lawsuit.
Elliott said false and defamatory statements were made against commissioners, county staff and Travelers, and that the county had been criticized publicly. He entered into the record a letter from the deputy commissioner of the North Carolina Department of Insurance that, he said, confirmed the complaint was reviewed and closed "having found no evidence of criminal activity."
Former commissioner Don Powell and public commenters had questioned whether the county adequately searched for public records and whether the insurer’s involvement was appropriate. Elliott and several commissioners said claims of felony fraud were unfounded; county legal counsel and commissioners noted motions to dismiss were granted in court and the complaint has been dismissed twice and is under appeal.
Elliott said the county covers deductibles for claims and that Travelers handles defense and any settlement decisions. He also said the county’s overall insurance picture is sound and that many county policies have seen premium reductions lately, though the sheriff’s office has faced underwriting challenges tied to separate matters.
No new legal action or settlement decision was announced at the meeting. Elliott said the deputy commissioner’s letter would be entered in the record for public reference.