Released: May 9, 2007

An Alexandria area bail bond agent has been issued a cease and desist order and summary suspension of his licenses for alleged misappropriation of insurance premiums.

Wayne Anthony Thomas, 36, was served today by Department of Insurance Fraud Section Investigators with an order to cease and desist from engaging in the business of insurance. He agreed to meet with investigators at the Louisiana State Police Detective Bureau in Alexandria, after being released on bail from his arrest by the Louisiana State Police Insurance Fraud Unit on April 30, 2007, on 108 counts of Prohibited Insurance Acts.

It is alleged that while working as a bail bondsman in Opelousas, Thomas negotiated numerous bail bonds in which he failed to remit premiums and bond documents to the company. It is alleged that Thomas failed to remit over $44,700 in premiums.

Department records show that Thomas was issued a bail bonds license in October 2002, which lapsed on May 1 of this year.

Commissioner Donelon urges consumers who feel uneasy about any insurance-related transaction 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.