La. Agent Arrested and Issued Cease and Desist Order

A LaPlace, Louisiana insurance producer (agent) was arrested and issued a Cease and Desist Order for allegedly misappropriating insurance funds, Commissioner of Insurance Robert Wooley announced.

Department of Insurance Fraud Unit investigators served Christopher Anthony Poche, 30, with a Cease and Desist Order and summary suspension of his life and health insurance license at the time he was arrested by members of the State Police Fraud Unit on 183 counts of unfair trade practices and premium theft.

The Department of Insurance Cease and Desist Order stated that Poche reportedly misappropriated insurance premiums of almost $13,000, only some of which has been recovered. It further stated that he is prohibited from engaging in any activity relating to the business of insurance, effective immediately. In addition, he is subject to fines and other penalties for the activities outlined in the order.

Department of Insurance records show that Poche held a life and health insurance license from November 1995 until the suspension of that license. He also held a property and casualty license from 1995 through May 1, 2001.

Consumers who have paid life insurance premiums to or conducted other insurance business with Christopher Anthony Poche in New Orleans and surrounding areas are being told to call the insurance company to verify that they have the coverage they think they paid for.

“It’s easy to lose track of what you have paid, especially with a life insurance or other kind of policy that doesn’t require you to be in contact with the company on a regular basis. People should check with their company for the status of their insurance policy or policies, even if it has been several years since they transacted business with Mr. Poche,” Wooley added.