California Insurance Agents Arrested for Stealing More Than $30,000

California Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner announced the arrest of two insurance broker/agents on felony grand theft charges. Carlos Alarcon of Chino, Calif., and Juan Garcia of Temecula, Calif., allegedly defrauded victims of more than $30,000. Alarcon was arrested on December 5. Garcia was arrested on November 26.

According to CDI investigators, Alarcon was selling insurance using an unauthorized business name, Alarcon Carrier Services, when the suspected criminal activity took place. It is alleged that he collected at least $9,500 in premiums from two consumers for the purpose of obtaining commercial truckers insurance coverage. Alarcon allegedly issued fraudulent proof of insurance to the victims, and pocketed their money. He purportedly told the victims that he could also provide DMV permits (to allow commercial trucks to cross state and Canadian borders,) if they paid him $12,500. Alarcon never provided a permit, and allegedly collected $22,000 from these victims, retaining the money for personal use, CDI said.

During the course of the investigation into Alarcon, CDI investigators discovered additional alleged theft by Garcia, Alarcon’s brother-in-law, with whom he shared office space. Garcia received more than $8,500 from an insurance company for the purpose of issuing a refund to a customer. Garcia allegedly kept the money for personal use. When the victims inquired about the status of their policy, Garcia’s alleged theft was brought to light.

If convicted on all counts, Alarcon faces a maximum of six years in state prison, and Garcia faces a maximum of three years. Bail is set at $20,000 for each suspect. This case is being prosecuted by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.

Source: CDI