LOUISIANA AGENT ARRESTED:

A Mandeville, La., insurance agent was shut down and booked on charges of felony theft and insurance fraud involving misappropriation of premiums. According to the Louisiana Department of Insurance, Allen James Harrison, 44, was taken into custody by the Mandeville Police Department and booked for alleged felony theft and insurance fraud involving misappropriation of insurance premiums. DOI Fraud Unit investigators served Harrison with a Cease and Desist order and a summary suspension of all his insurance licenses. Although Harrison at one time held life and health, property and casualty, auto club and agency licenses, only the L/H and P/C licenses were active at the time of the suspension. The joint operation was part of a team effort of the DOI and the Mandeville Police Department. The C&D states that Harrison allegedly kept more than $27,000 in premiums rather than sending them to the insurance company to purchase insurance for unsuspecting policyholders or prospective policyholders. The C&D prohibits him from continuing to engage in any activity relating to the business of insurance. Addresses listed for Harrison include P.O. Box 189, 267 West Causeway Approach, and 720 Willow Oak Lane—all in Mandeville. Policyholders who bought policies or conducted other insurance business, such as paying premiums, with Allen James Harrison and/or MIR Insurance Agency should call their insurance company to verify their coverage. If they have trouble reaching their insurance company, they can call the Louisiana Department of Insurance at (225) 342-5900, or, toll-free statewide, (800) 259-5300, for assistance.