Louisiana Department of Insurance Cracks Down on Alexandria Agents

In separate actions the Louisiana Department of Insurance has issued cease and desist orders, and fine notices, to four individuals accused of inappropriately conducting the business of insurance in that state.

A former Alexandria, La., agent was issued a cease and desist order and fine notice for alleged misappropriation of premiums and conducting the business of insurance without a valid license.

Tonya Annette Willis, 27, was served with a C&D order and $2,500 fine notice. She is alleged to have not posted payments in a timely manner or posted only partial payments, as well as altering of receipts.

Willis was issued a Property, Casualty and Vehicle Physical damage license in June 2006 which lapsed in April 2009.

Also in Alexandria, agent Charlotte Ann Ray, 67, is accused of allowing unlicensed employees to conduct the business of insurance. Ray, her agency and one employee were issued C&D orders and fine notices. A second employee also was issued a fine notice.

Ray and her agency, Charlotte A. Ray Insurance Inc., were each fined $10,500.

Agency employee Joanna Leigh Mills, 35, was issued a $2,500 fine notice for allegedly conducting the business of insurance without a license and forging signatures.

Another employee, Kelsie Elizabeth Ray, 21, was also issued a cease and desist order and $9,500 fine notice for allegedly conducting the business of insurance without a license and forging signatures.

Charlotte Ann Ray and Charlotte Ann Ray Insurance Inc., are alleged to have knowingly allowed Joanna Leigh Mills and Kelsie Elizabeth Ray to conduct the business of insurance without a license while employed by the agency. Joanna Leigh Mills and Kelsie Elizabeth Ray are alleged to have knowingly conducted insurance business specifically reserved for licensed insurance producers and to have forged Charlotte Ann Ray's signature on documents related to the business of insurance.

Charlotte Ann Ray was issued a Property, Casualty and Vehicle Physical Damage license in December 1984 which was valid until the current action. She was also issued a Life, Accident and Health license in November 1984 and an Auto Club Service license in September 2005, both of which have lapsed.

Ray's license will be permanently revoked 30 days from the time of service unless a hearing is requested with the Department of Insurance.

Joanna Leigh Mills was issued a Property, Casualty and Vehicle Physical Damage license by the Department of Insurance in October 2009, after the she had committed the alleged acts, the department said. Mills has 30 days from time of service to pay her fine. If she does not, her license will be suspended until the fine is paid.

Kelsie Elizabeth Ray has never been licensed with the Department of Insurance. Kelsie Elizabeth Ray will not be allowed to obtain an insurance license until her fine is paid.

Source: Louisiana Department of Insurance