Released: September 30, 2009

A former Lake Charles agent was issued a cease and desist order and fine notice today for alleged misappropriation, forgery and conducting the business of insurance without a license.

Steven Charles Rossiter, 59, was served by Department of Insurance Fraud Section Investigators today with an order to cease and desist from engaging in the business of insurance and a $1,000 fine notice.

Rossiter is alleged to have completed and submitted fraudulent paperwork to an insurance company requesting that $9,000 be withdrawn from a client’s life insurance policy. When the check was issued, he is alleged to have forged the client’s name on the check and deposit it into his own bank account. Rossiter was also conducting the business of insurance without a valid license.

Department records show that Rossiter was issued Life, Accident & Health licenses in November 1996 and a Variable Contracts license in May 1997, all of which lapsed in April 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.