Released: January 19, 2006

Bogalusa - A Bogalusa insurance agent has been arrested and issued a cease and desist order for alleged felony theft and withholding of insurance premiums.

Patricia Morvant, 51, was ordered to cease and desist from engaging in the business of insurance and her insurance license was suspended today by Department of Insurance Fraud Unit Investigators. She had previously been arrested by members of the State Police Fraud Unit and booked into the Washington Parish Jail.

A joint investigation by the Department of Insurance and State Police Fraud Unit Investigators revealed that the policyholder received cash receipts for paying Ms. Morvant nearly $2,000 for insurance coverage on her home. Payments were made in January and June of 2005. The insurance company stated that it never received either payment.

Department of Insurance records list Morvant as owner, manager and the only licensed agent of Morvant Insurance Agency, 411 Austin Street, Bogalusa; residence address, 72260 Dogwood Road, Abita Springs. She held a property and casualty insurance license from August 1997 until today’s cease and desist order was issued.

Commissioner Wooley 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.

-30-