Released: May 9, 2007

An Alexandria insurance agent has been arrested and issued a cease and desist order and summary suspension of his licenses today for allegedly misappropriating premium money from policyholders and failing to remit premiums to the insurance company.

Kofi Aikoh Bieniemy, 33, was served by Department of Insurance Fraud Section Investigators with an order to cease and desist from engaging in the business of insurance and a $3,000 fine notice at the Rapides Parish Sheriff's Office in Alexandria. He was also arrested by the State Police Insurance Fraud Unit.

Today’s action results after Department of Insurance Fraud Section Investigators discovered that Bieniemy had resigned from working with an insurance company and an audit uncovered a number of missing premium payments totaling more than $2,900.

Department records show that Bieniemy held a life and health license from September 2005 until May 2006 when his license lapsed.

Commissioner Donelon urges consumers who have any questions regarding policies Bieniemy sold or serviced to call the Department of Insurance Fraud Section 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.