An alleged insurance fraud and identity theft scheme landed a Cerro Gordo woman in jail Tuesday, and it wasn’t the first time.
Kimberly Nicole Batten, 31, of 1150 Cedar Grove Church Road was charged with insurance fraud less than $100,000, identity theft, obtaining property by false pretenses, and making a false statement while applying for insurance.
Warrants obtained by the Dept. of Insurance, Criminal Investigations section show that Batten reportedly used another woman’s name to apply for automobile insurance through National General Insurance in November. After a collision in April, she allegedly filed a claim in the victim’s name, and did not tell investigators about another person in the vehicle.
She was held under $15,000 secured bond, according to Detention Center reports.
Court documents show that in 2025, Batten pleaded guilty to insurance fraud and obtaining property by false pretenses, after claiming she had finished paying for a Jeep Cherokee. Batten was ordered to provide restitution, which she failed to complete, according to court records. Her bond was forfeited in that case and it is also pending trial in Columbus County District Court.
