BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C. – A Berkeley County woman is facing multiple charges after state investigators say she submitted a forged document in an attempt to receive an insurance payout she was not entitled to.
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) has charged Kenyada Lucretia Smith, 41, with forgery under $10,000 and presenting a false claim for an insurance payment valued at $2,000 or less. The charges stem from an investigation requested by the South Carolina Department of Insurance.
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According to an affidavit, the case centers on an insurance claim tied to a Nov. 14, 2024 crash in Summerville involving a vehicle covered under a Safeco Insurance policy. Smith was listed as an operator on that policy.
Investigators say Safeco later determined the vehicle was a total loss on Dec. 2, 2024 and issued a settlement payment to the policyholder. As part of the claim, the policy allowed for rental car reimbursement.
Months later, on March 4, 2025, Smith allegedly submitted a rental car receipt from a company identified as “Turquinex Rental” in an effort to receive reimbursement. However, according to the affidavit, Safeco was unable to verify the existence of the company through databases or direct contact.
Further investigation revealed the document had originally been a receipt from Avis Car Rental in Smith’s name dated Feb. 26, 2024, with a value significantly lower than the amount listed on the submitted document.
Authorities say Smith later admitted during a recorded interview with SLED on Feb. 10, 2026 that she knew the invoice she submitted was fraudulent.
In total, investigators allege Smith attempted to gain an undeserved financial benefit of $1,190.98.
Smith was booked into the Hill-Finklea Detention Center. The case will be prosecuted by the South Carolina Department of Insurance.
