Former W.Va. Agent Sentenced for Embezzlement

Shawn Edwin Linger, a former insurance agent in Clarksburg, W.Va. has been sentenced to one felony count of embezzlement according to Insurance Commissioner, Jane L. Cline.

Linger was sentenced July 6 to one to 10 years in prison; however, the sentence was suspended and Linger was placed on supervised probation for five years. A civil action is currently pending against Linger; restitution will be determined once the civil action is settled.

Linger, of Fairmont, W.Va. admitted in April to taking more than $18,000 in premium payments made to his employer, Jim Lively Insurance Inc. of Clarksburg. The premium payments that represented numerous policy holders were replaced by Jim Lively Insurance, Inc. so that no individual policy holder suffered losses.

“It is critical that we continue to protect West Virginia consumers and employers against individuals who seek to profit illegally from the business of insurance,” Cline said. “We appreciate the willingness of law enforcement and county prosecuting attorneys to work with the Fraud Division in our efforts to investigate and successfully prosecute insurance crimes.”

Source: West Virginia Department of Insurance