Released: March 9, 2009

A St. Martinville agent has been arrested, served with a cease and desist order, notice of license revocation and fine today for alleged misappropriation of premiums, felony theft, forgery and identity theft.

Wendy Dore, 37, was arrested by the State Police Insurance Fraud and Auto Theft Unit today on one count of felony theft, one count of unfair trade practices, two counts of forgery and two counts of identity theft. She was also served by Department of Insurance Fraud Section Investigators with a cease and desist order, notice of license revocation and a $10,000 fine notice.

It is alleged that Dore collected cash premium payments from policy holders, which she did not remit to the company but instead kept for her own use while charging the policy holder’s premiums to a credit card illegally obtained in her employer’s name. She also allegedly made several withdrawals from two life insurance policies without the knowledge and consent of the policy holders. She is alleged to have made changes to the policy holder’s addresses sending all company correspondence and checks to her home address, which she endorsed and cashed.

Department records show that Dore held a Property and Casualty License from September 2007 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.