Former Calif. Agent Sentenced to Four Years for Grand Theft, Elder Abuse

Patrick James Murphy, 45, of Norco, pled no contest in Los Angeles Superior Court, recently, to 39 felony counts, including grand theft and elder abuse. Superior Court Judge David Horwitz sentenced Murphy to four years in state prison and ordered him to pay $328,639.96 in restitution to his victims.

Murphy, a former Farmers Insurance agent, allegedly defrauded 31 insurance clients by collecting premiums and issuing false insurance certificates for commercial, auto, home and workers’ compensation, when no insurance existed at all. Murphy collected in excess of $300,000 in premiums from his victims, including senior citizens.

Murphy reportedly continued to represent himself as a licensed Farmers agent even after Farmers terminated his agent appointment in October 1997.

“I am very happy we have succeeded in putting Mr. Murphy out of business. He systematically ripped off dozens of people leaving them with no protection from loss,” said Insurance Commissioner John Garamendi. “We will do everything in our power to protect consumers from scam artists like Murphy.”