Calif. Agent Steals from Church, Pleads Guilty to Grand Theft

Insurance agent Luis Daniel Trevino of Porterville, Calif., has pleaded guilty to grand theft and identity theft, the California Department of Insurance announced.

A joint investigation conducted by the Tulare County Sheriff’s Department and the DOI revealed that on July 31, 2008, Trevino received a $5,820.60 check from The Poplar Church of God, for the purpose of securing commercial liability insurance. Trevino allegedly misappropriated the money for his own personal use, and failed to place coverage for the church.

Through the course of the investigation, it was revealed that Trevino allegedly failed to remit premium for three additional victims. One victim was given fraudulent proof of insurance and on Dec. 9, 2008, was involved in an accident. The victim then learned that he was uninsured. As a result of Trevino’s failure to place coverage, the victim suffered an uncovered loss of $10,600.

Trevino was arrested on March 2 and booked into the Porterville County Jail. On March 19, 2010, he pled guilty to one count of grand theft and one count of identity theft. Trevino is due to be sentenced on April 16, 2010.

Trevino’s insurance agent license has been revoked.

The Tulare District Attorney’s Office prosecuted this case.

Source: DOI