Released: August 12, 2009

A Ville Platte bail bond agent was served with license suspension and fine notices on August 10 for allegedly conducting business as a bail bondsman while unlicensed. A Lafayette bail bond agent was also served with suspension and fine notices for issuing bonds to be written for an unlicensed person.

John Roy Vidrine, 61, was served by Department of Insurance Fraud Section Investigators with a six month license suspension notice and $9,000 fine notice for allegedly writing 90 bail bonds in Evangeline Parish between May and June 2009, during which time his license was lapsed.

Fraud Section Investigators also issued a six month license suspension notice and $9,000 fine notice to Joseph Glenn Vidrine, 63, for employing John Roy Vidrine as a sub-agent and allowing him to act as a bail bondsman while unlicensed. He is alleged to have provided his brother with the 90 bail bonds he wrote between May and June 2009.

Department records show that John Roy Vidrine was issued a Bail Bond license in May 1992 which is valid through April 2011. Records also show his license was lapsed between May 1 and June 1, 2009. Department records show that Joseph Glenn Vidrine was issued a Bail Bond license in November 1976 which is valid through April 2011. Both licenses are set to be suspended in 30 days unless a hearing is requested. Both agents have requested hearings, currently staying these suspensions.

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.