Former California insurance agent Marc Leigh Miles, 71, formerly of Irvine, and currently residing in Eagle, Idaho, was arraigned on nine felony counts of grand theft, insurance fraud, and forgery after allegedly stealing $48,500 in premiums and a fraudulent claim deductible. Miles reportedly fled the state when criminal charges were filed against him, but returned for his arraignment.
The California Department of Insurance began an investigation after a specialty medical provider from San Diego, who was a client of Miles’, made a claim on their policy after a water leak. When they contacted Miles about the claim, he reportedly claimed that he had authority to adjust the claim and billed the company a $5,000 deductible, which they paid.
He then contested the repair costs and prolonged the claim process, and the specialty medical provider eventually learned that Miles also failed to remit $40,500 in medical malpractice insurance premium payments, and their policy had been cancelled.
The investigation reportedly revealed Miles told the medical malpractice insurance company the specialty medical provider was not renewing their policy. He also cancelled his client’s business insurance policy and told the insurance company they were going out of business. Both insurance companies confirmed Miles did not submit any premiums for renewal of the policies and he had no authority to adjust or settle claims on their behalf.
To cancel one of the policies, Miles reportedly forged the client’s signature on a notice to the insurance company and to cover his actions he provided a fraudulent medical malpractice policy to his client. Further investigation confirmed Miles negotiated the premium and deductible payments through his business bank account and kept the funds for his own benefit.
Miles voluntarily surrendered his license and agreed to a lifetime ban from applying or holding a California insurance license, but he fled the state when criminal charges were filed against him in 2020. The CDI was eventually able to convince him to return to California where he was arraigned on the felony charges and released on $50,000 bail.
The case is being prosecuted by the Orange County District Attorney’s Office.
Topics California Fraud Agencies
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