Texas DOI Lists March Enforcement Actions

The Texas Department of Insurance announced enforcement actions taken by Commissioner Mike Geeslin that became final during March.

The actions include five license revocations, three license denials and fines and restitution totaling $67,250. Copies of Geeslin’s orders may be obtained by contacting TDI’s Public Information Office.

Only final orders are listed. An order imposing disciplinary measures becomes final 20 days after the agent or insurance company has received notice of the order unless a motion for rehearing is filed within that period. A motion for rehearing stays the finality of an order until the Commissioner of Insurance acts upon the motion or upon the operation of law.

Commissioner’s orders are subject to appeal to state district court.

Acord, Karen Elaine of Houston
Order Number: 060232
Date of Order: 3/6/2006
Order Final In: March
Action Taken: $1,500 fine
Violation: Failed to comply with continuing education requirements

American Exchange Life Insurance Company of McKinney
Order Number: 060223
Date of Order: 3/1/2006
Order Final In: March
Action Taken: $3,000 fine
Violation: Failed to file required notice of withdrawl

Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. – Dallas; Michalak, Gerald Joseph of Dallas
Order Number: 060239
Date of Order: 3/7/2006
Order Final In: March
Action Taken: $25,000 fine
Violation: Allegedly materially misrepresented the terms and conditions of an insurance policy

Avila, Ivelisse of Carrollton
Order Number: 060324
Date of Order: 3/31/2006
Order Final In: March
Action Taken: $1,450 fine; One year suspension of Insurance Adjuster License
Violation: Failed to comply with continuing education requirements

Barrientos, John Anthony of San Antonio
Order Number: 060318
Date of Order: 3/31/2006
Order Final In: March
Action Taken: $1,500 fine; Must complete 30 hours of continuing education
Violation: Failed to comply with continuing education requirements

Berkins, Kourtney Michelle of Fort Worth
Order Number: 060235
Date of Order: 3/6/2006
Order Final In: March
Action Taken: General Lines Property and Casualty Agent’s License denied
Violation: Engaged in fraudulent or dishonest acts or practices

Bratton, Eric Joseph of Dallas
Order Number: 060243
Date of Order: 3/8/2006
Order Final In: March
Action Taken: $1,125 fine
Violation: Acted as an escrow officer without a proper license

Castillo, Alma Rosa of Portland
Order Number: 060293
Date of Order: 3/24/2006
Order Final In: March
Action Taken: $1,200 fine
Violation: Acted as an escrow officer without a proper license

Charles, Carol Lynn of Richmond
Order Number: 060236
Date of Order: 3/6/2006
Order Final In: March
Action Taken: Insurance Service Representative License Revoked
Violation: Engaged in fraudulent or dishonest acts or practices; Felony Insurance Fraud

Deokaran, John of Hammond, La.
Order Number: 060295
Date of Order: 3/24/2006
Order Final In: March
Action Taken: Insurance Adjuster License Revoked
Violation: Engaged in fraudulent or dishonest acts or practices; Felony conviction

Donihoo, Chad Eric; Designer Auto Sales Inc. of Dallas
Order Number: 060319
Date of Order: 3/31/2006
Order Final In: March
Action Taken: $10,000 fine; Cease and Desist
Violation: Unauthorized insurance

Ellison, Joshua Clifton of Plano
Order Number: 060244
Date of Order: 3/8/2006
Order Final In: March
Action Taken: $3,500 fine
Violation: Acted as an escrow officer without a proper license

Fox, Richard W. of San Antonio
Order Number: 060320
Date of Order: 3/31/2006
Order Final In: March
Action Taken: $1,500 fine; Must complete 30 hours of continuing education
Violation: Failed to comply with continuing education requirements

Gill, Ana of McKinney
Order Number: 060294
Date of Order: 3/24/2006
Order Final In: March
Action Taken: $350 fine; Must complete 30 hours of continuing education
Violation: Failed to comply with continuing education requirements

Gonzales, Danny of Wichita Falls
Order Number: 060323
Date of Order: 3/31/2006
Order Final In: March
Action Taken: General Life, Accident, and Health License Denied
Violation: Engaged in fraudulent or dishonest acts or practices; Felony offense

Hale Title Incorporated of Goldthwaite
Order Number: 060321
Date of Order: 3/31/2006
Order Final In: March
Action Taken: $2,100 fine
Violation: Failed to timely remit title insurance policy guaranty fees

Hawkins, David Harold of Carrollton
Order Number: 060285
Date of Order: 3/24/2006
Order Final In: March
Action Taken: Adjuster Property and Casualty License Revoked
Violation: Made a material misrepresentation on a license application; Felony conviction

Howell, Patricia Elizabeth of Sasche
Order Number: 060245
Date of Order: 3/8/2006
Order Final In: March
Action Taken: $1,875 fine
Violation: Acted as an escrow officer without a proper license

Knez, Carol L. of Centennial, Colorado
Order Number: 060237
Date of Order: 3/6/2006
Order Final In: March
Action Taken: Insurance Adjuster License Revoked
Violation: Engaged in fraudulent or dishonest acts or practices

Mason County Title Company of Mason
Order Number: 060322
Date of Order: 3/31/2006
Order Final In: March
Action Taken: $3,150 fine
Violation: Failed to timely remit title insurance policy guaranty fees

Neff, Diane Wheelock of Coppell
Order Number: 060246
Date of Order: 3/8/2006
Order Final In: March
Action Taken: $2,375 fine
Violation: Acted as an escrow officer without a proper license

Rio Abstract & Title Company of Rio Grande City
Order Number: 060224
Date of Order: 3/1/2006
Order Final In: March
Action Taken: Title Agent’s License Revoked
Violation: Failed to maintain a legal abstract plant; Failed to issue title policies based on evidence obtained from an abstract plant maintained by a licensed agent; Failed to timely file annual escrow audit report and annual statistical reports

Sidener, Alana Michelle of Dallas
Order Number: 060247
Date of Order: 3/8/2006
Order Final In: March
Action Taken: $1,000 fine
Violation: Acted as an escrow officer without a proper license

Tiernan, Mark Robert of Plano
Order Number: 060248
Date of Order: 3/8/2006
Order Final In: March
Action Taken: $6,625 fine
Violation: Acted as an escrow officer without a proper license

Woolard, Billy Claude of Fort Worth
Order Number: 060307
Date of Order: 3/30/2006
Order Final In: March
Action Taken: Agent License Denied
Violation: Felony conviction