Louisiana Shuts Down Metairie Agent

The Louisiana Department of Insurance closed the operations of a Metairie insurance agent (producer) on accusations of forgery and misappropriation of insurance premiums. It was the third such shutdown of an agent’s insurance operation in four days, according to Insurance Commissioner Robert Wooley.

Department of Insurance Fraud Unit investigators served Mario Guillermo Amaya, 33, with a cease and desist order and a summary suspension of all insurance licenses.

The order states that Amaya allegedly misappropriated insurance premiums of several thousand dollars and committed forgery by cashing a stolen government check. The Department of Insurance order prohibits him from engaging in any activity relating to the business of insurance, effective immediately.

Department of Insurance records show that Amaya was first issued a life and health license on May 1, 1999, and a property and casualty insurance license a month later. Both licenses were in force until today’s suspension.

Insurance Commissioner Wooley said, “We will continue to investigate fraudulent activities in the conduct of the business of insurance whenever and wherever we find them, as we have this week.”

Previously, the department investigators pulled the license of a Gonzales agent, and took the same action against a Shreveport agent, in conjunction with the arrest and booking of that individual by the State Police Fraud Unit. Misappropriation of insurance premiums was central to the actions taken in all three cases.

Policyholders who bought policies or conducted other insurance business, such as paying premiums, with Mario Guillermo Amaya 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) 342-5900, or, toll-free statewide, (800) 259-5300, for assistance.

Topics Agencies Louisiana