Released: April 27, 2006

Lake Charles - A Lake Charles producer was issued a c&d and summary suspension of his licenses for allegedly misappropriating insurance premium payments.

Darren Shawn Gaspard, 41, was served with a c&d and summary suspension of his licenses today by Department of Insurance Fraud Unit Investigators. They also suspended the licenses of GMA Agencies Inc., of which he is sole owner and president.

Gaspard allegedly failed to remit to insurance companies over $50,000 in premiums for at least six (6) different policies for commercial and/or homeowners insurance coverage. Today's action results after the Department of Insurance received numerous complaints following Hurricane Rita from consumers who discovered they did not have coverage when they filed damage claims with their insurance companies. In addition, he is alleged to have submitted false and/or fraudulent information to the Department of Insurance in regard to the complaints against him and GMA Agencies, Inc.

Department of Insurance records list the business address of GMA Agencies Inc., as 1634 Ryan Street, Lake Charles, and Gaspard's residence address as 2325 Barbe St., Lake Charles. Records show Gaspard held a Property & Casualty license from June 1991 until today's action. He previously held a Life, Health & Accident license from May 1990 until today's action; and a Variable Annuity license from February 1992 until May 2000.

Commissioner Donelon urges consumers who feel uneasy about any insurance-related transaction to call the Department of Insurance Fraud Unit at 225-342-4956 or 1-800-259-5300. If callers don’t want their names used, they can request that their involvement be kept confidential.

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