Eugene, Ore., Agent Arrested

A Eugene, Ore.-based insurance agent who is the focal suspect in an ongoing investigation by Oregon State Police and the Insurance Division, part of the Department of Consumer & Business Services, was arrested by the Washington County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) after an arrest warrant was obtained for the suspect on charges uncovered during the investigation related to allegations of theft, forgery and negotiating a bad check. The ongoing investigation continues into allegations of financial fraud and violations of law regulating the insurance industry related to business activities of a closed north Eugene insurance business.

On Nov. 5, 2007, Kenneth Edward Reinking, 51, was arrested
at his Beaverton-area residence on an outstanding Linn County warrant charging theft in the first degree, forgery in the first degree (three counts), and negotiating a bad check. Oregon State Police contacted WCSO, which arrested Reinking and lodged him in the Washington County Jail. He has been released and is scheduled to appear in Linn County Circuit Court on Nov. 28, 2007.

The ongoing investigation started in late July when OSP detectives, with the assistance of the Insurance Division, served a search warrant at Reinking Insurance located at 49 Silver Lane in Eugene. Since serving a search warrant on July 31 and seeking potential victims who had purchased insurance with Reinking Insurance during the last three years, investigators have been contacted by about 89 people with information related to the investigation. Additional charges may be filed in other counties pending the completion of the investigation.

Investigators are asking anyone who has had problems with their accounts in dealing with Reinking Insurance to contact OSP Detective Dan Wolverton at (541) 726-2550 ext. 219.

Source: DCBS