Texas Feb. Enforcements: Nearly $357K in Fines, Restitution

Enforcement actions taken by Texas Insurance Commissioner Mike Geeslin that became final during February include four license revocations, three license denials, and fines and restitution totaling $356,925, the Texas Department of Insurance announced.

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.

TDI final disciplinary orders for February 2008:

Blackwell, Kathryn Gail of Waco
Order Number: 080110
Date of Order: 2/8/2008
Order Final In: February
Action Taken: Temporary General Life, Accident and Health License application denied
Violation: Attempted to obtain a license by fraud or misrepresentation; Engaged in fraudulent or dishonest acts or practices

Breckenridge Abstract and Title Corporation of Breckenridge
Order Number: 080088
Date of Order: 2/1/2008
Order Final In: February
Action Taken: Surrender Title Insurance Agent’s License and cease engaging in the business of title insurance
Violation: Repeatedly failed to timely file annual statistical report

Cromer, Jack Dempsey of Bedford
Order Number: 080164
Date of Order: 2/25/2008
Order Final In: February
Action Taken: General Property and Casualty License and General Life, Accident and Health License revoked
Violation: Engaged in fraudulent or dishonest acts or practices; Felony conviction involving moral turpitude

Crosbie, Meryl Grantham of Houston
Order Number: 080163
Date of Order: 2/25/2008
Order Final In: February
Action Taken: General Life, Accident and Health License revoked
Violation: Felony conviction directly related to the business of insurance

Crump, Jimmy Rance of Southlake
Order Number: 080129
Date of Order: 2/19/2008
Order Final In: February
Action Taken: General Life, Accident and Health License application denied
Violation: Engaged in fraudulent or dishonest acts or practices; Criminal conduct directly related to the business of insurance

De Santiago, Jennifer Friez of Richardson
Order Number: 080104
Date of Order: 2/7/2008
Order Final In: February
Action Taken: $1,500 fine; Must complete 15 hours of continuing education
Violation: Failed to comply with continuing education requirements

Fidelity National Title Agency Inc of Irving
Order Number: 080108
Date of Order: 2/7/2008
Order Final In: February
Action Taken: $16,500 fine
Violation: Failed to timely provide an annual trust fund account audit report

Garrett, Sonceria Lacheesa of Arlington
Order Number: 080161
Date of Order: 2/25/2008
Order Final In: February
Action Taken: $725 fine; Must complete 30 hours of continuing education
Violation: Failed to comply with continuing education requirements

Jones, Justin Shane of Brownwood
Order Number: 080085
Date of Order: 2/1/2008
Order Final In: February
Action Taken: General Life, Accident and Health License issued and placed on probation for two years
Violation: Criminal conduct involving moral turpitude

Manning-Tano, Edwin Mark of Houston
Order Number: 080086
Date of Order: 2/1/2008
Order Final In: February
Action Taken: $1,500 fine; Must complete 30 hours of continuing education
Violation: Failed to comply with continuing education requirements

Mega Life and Health Insurance of North Richland Hills
Order Number: 080124
Date of Order: 2/15/2008
Order Final In: February
Action Taken: $225,000 fine
Violation: Failed to pay clean claims in a timely manner

Nevil, Christina Joann of Jefferson
Order Number: 080090
Date of Order: 2/1/2008
Order Final In: February
Action Taken: General Property and Casualty License revoked
Violation: Engaged in fraudulent or dishonest acts or practices

Pick, Thomas Fitzgerald of Plano
Order Number: 080125
Date of Order: 2/15/2008
Order Final In: February
Action Taken: $1,500 fine; Must complete 30 hours of continuing education
Violation: Failed to comply with continuing education requirements

Pippin, Rhonda Michelle of Pearland
Order Number: 080128
Date of Order: 2/19/2008
Order Final In: February
Action Taken: $2,700 fine; Must complete 30 hours of continuing education
Violation: Failed to comply with continuing education requirements

SCOR Global Life U.S. Re Insurance Company of Plano
Order Number: 080105
Date of Order: 2/7/2008
Order Final In: February
Action Taken: $20,000 fine
Violation: Failed to timely file 2006 Independent Audit Report

SCOR Life Insurance Company of Plano
Order Number: 080106
Date of Order: 2/7/2008
Order Final In: February
Action Taken: $20,000 fine
Violation: Failed to timely file 2006 Independent Audit Report

Stephenson, Loren of Carthage
Order Number: 080165
Date of Order: 2/25/2008
Order Final In: February
Action Taken: General Life, Accident and Health License application denied
Violation: Engaged in fraudulent or dishonest acts or practices; Deferred adjudication for felony offense

Texas Alliance of Energy Producers Workers’ Compensation Self-Insurance Group Trust of Wichita Falls
Order Number: 080107
Date of Order: 2/7/2008
Order Final In: February
Action Taken: $2,500 fine
Violation: Allegedly failed to obtain excess insurance to an acceptable amount; Allegedly failed to timely submit financial statements; Allegedly failed to maintain its books and records in Texas

Thomas, Jonathan Brett of Houston
Order Number: 080089
Date of Order: 2/1/2008
Order Final In: February
Action Taken: General Life, Accident and Health License issued and placed on probation for a period of 2 years
Violation: Felony conviction

Ticor Title Insurance Company – Dallas of Dallas
Order Number: 080162
Date of Order: 2/25/2008
Order Final In: February
Action Taken: $65,000 fine
Violation: Allowed an employee to act as an escrow officer prior to obtaining an Escrow Officer’s License

Turner, Paula Marie of Quitman
Order Number: 080091
Date of Order: 2/1/2008
Order Final In: February
Action Taken: General Life, Accident and Health License revoked
Violation: Engaged in fraudulent or dishonest acts or practices; Felony conviction

Source: Texas Department of Insurance