Released: May 2, 2008

A Lacombe area insurance agent has been issued a cease and desist order, summary suspension and fine notice today for alleged misappropriation of insurance premiums.

Jennifer Mason Hudspeth, 37, was served with a cease and desist order, summary suspension of her licenses and $5,000 fine notice by Department of Insurance Fraud Section Investigators today for nine counts of misappropriation of funds and insurance fraud. Hudspeth is alleged to have accepted over $2,800 in cash payments for insurance policies and then used these funds for her own personal use. She was previously arrested on these charges by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office inDecember 2007.

Department records show that Hudspeth held a Property and Casualty license and a Vehicle Property Damage license from August 2002 until today’s action. She was also issued an Accident and Health license and a Life license in September 2002, both which expired April 30, 2008.

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.