L.A. Woman, Former Broker Charged with Selling Insurance Without License

Following an investigation by the California Department of Insurance Investigations Bureau and the Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office, Mirna Angelica Alfaro, 30, of Los Angeles was arrested on Oct. 31 on charges of selling automobile insurance without a license.

Alfaro, who was charged with three counts of acting in the capacity of an insurance broker and solicitor without a valid license from CDI, allegedly operated two unlicensed insurance agencies, Angie’s Travel and Insurance Services and Auto Casa Insurance. She operated her agency in conjunction with formerly licensed broker Hector Antonio Benavente, who operated a separate Auto Casa Insurance Services.

Benavente, 48, who was not arrested but gave his promise to appear in court, had his license revoked by CDI in 1999 for numerous insurance code violations including aiding and abetting unlicensed persons to transact insurance. According to CDI investigators, Benavente was continuing to act as a licensed broker and had aided and abetted Alfaro to illegally write insurance coverage. Benavente was charged with ten counts of acting as an insurance broker without a valid license from CDI.

The Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case. If convicted, Benavente could face up to one year in jail with fines up to $5,000. Alfaro could face up to a year in jail and fines of up to $1,500. Benavente is scheduled to appear for arraignment on November 15, 2000 in Superior Court, Los Angeles Judicial District.

Topics Agencies