Former W.Va. Agent Pleads Guilty to Embezzlement

A former Montgomery, W.Va. insurance agent has pleaded guilty to one count of embezzlement.

Brenda G. Valentine was scheduled to go to trial in Fayette County Circuit Court June 30 on six felony counts, four of forgery and one each of embezzlement and uttering. The other five counts were dismissed as part of a plea agreement.

Valentine, 44, faces up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $2,500 when sentenced Aug. 16.

She was indicted in May by a Fayette County grand jury.

Prosecutors say that while at Mountain State Insurance Agency Inc., Valentine took money from customers for promised insurance policies and then failed to provide those policies.

She was also accused of forging insurance applications in an attempt to prevent discovery of the stolen premium payments.

The state Insurance Commission revoked Valentine’s insurance producer license in April.