Baton Rouge Bail Bond Agent Arrested, Issued a Cease and Desist Order, Summary Suspension and Fine Notice

Released: April 23, 2008

A Baton Rouge bail bond agent has been arrested, issued a cease and desist order, summary suspension and fine notice today for allegedly conducting business as a bail bondsman while unlicensed. The agent and company he represented while acting as a bail bondsman was also issued a cease and desist order, summary suspension and fine notice.

Michael W. Whatley, 50, was arrested by Louisiana State Police today and served with a cease and desist order, summary suspension and $5,000 fine notice by Department of Insurance Fraud Section Investigators for allegedly acting as a bail bondsman on 15 documented cases between May 2005 and May 2007, during which time his license was lapsed.

Fraud Section Investigators also issued a C&D, summary suspension and $5,000 fine notice to Patricia A. Anderson, 71, of Anderson Bonding Company for allowing Whatley to issue bail bonds on behalf of the company on 15 documented cases while unlicensed.

Department records show that Whatley was issued an Individual Producer license in April 1987, which lapsed in May 2005 and was not reinstated until May 2007. Patricia A. Anderson held an Individual Producer license from September 1987 until today’s action.

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 do not want their names used, they can request that their involvement be kept confidential.

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