La. Agent Shut Down for Forgery, Misappropriation of Funds

A Metairie, La., agent (producer) was shut down for forgery and misappropriation of insurance premiums, the third such shutdown of an agent’s insurance operation in four days, Insurance Commissioner Robert Wooley announced.

Department of Insurance Fraud Unit investigators served Mario Guillermo Amaya, 33, with a Cease and Desist order and a summary suspension of all insurance licenses.

The order states that Amaya allegedly misappropriated insurance premiums of several thousand dollars and committed forgery by cashing a stolen government check. The Department of Insurance order prohibits him from engaging in any activity relating to the business of insurance.

Department of Insurance records show that Amaya was first issued a life and health license on May 1, 1999, and a property and casualty license a month later. Both licenses were in force until the suspension.