C&D Order Issued to La. Agent

The Louisiana Department of Insurance shut down a Jena, La. insurance producer and issued a Cease and Desist order, along with a summary suspension of her insurance license, for allegedly misappropriating premium dollars paid by unsuspecting insurance customers, according to Louisiana Insurance Commissioner Robert Wooley.

Department of Insurance Fraud Unit investigators were accompanied by State Police Fraud Unit Investigators when they served Lisa Renee Reeves, 37, at her place of business, the Excellent Insurance Agency, 3061 West Oak Street, Suite A, Jena.

The C&D order states that Reeves misappropriated insurance premiums and issued bogus insurance identification cards in a number of instances, with some cases involving several thousand dollars. It further states that she is prohibited from engaging in any activity relating to the business of insurance, effective immediately. In addition, she is subject to fines and other penalties for the activities outlined in the order.

LDI records show that Lisa Renee Reeves was issued a property and casualty insurance license in January of 1988 and that the license remained in force until the current action.

Commissioner Wooley praised law enforcement at the state and local level for the significant role they played in events that led up to today’s action. “The role of the Jena Mayor, Chief of Police and other local officials cannot be overestimated in this case,” Wooley said. “Their cooperation, and the cooperation of local citizens, was vital in putting a stop to a business operation that is alleged to have victimized dozens of people.

“Today’s action was taken as part of a continuing series of shutdowns of illegal insurance operations throughout the state,” he added.

Consumers who have bought policies or conducted other insurance business, such as paying premiums, with Lisa Renee Reeves at Excellent Insurance Agency, 3061 West Oak Street, Suite A, PO Box 915, Jena, should call the insurance company to verify that they have the coverage they paid for. If they have trouble reaching the insurance company, they can call the Louisiana Department of Insurance at (225) 342-4956, or toll-free statewide, (800) 259-5300, for assistance..

“I urge consumers who feel uneasy about any insurance-related transactions, including fraudulent claims filed by other consumers, to call the Fraud Unit here at the Department of Insurance,” the Commissioner said. “If callers don’t want their names used, they can request that their involvement be kept confidential.”