FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 24, 2020

Cease and Desist Order Issued for Lake Charles Agent

The Louisiana Department of Insurance (LDI) has issued a Cease and Desist Order and Summary Suspension of Producers License to a Lake Charles agent for alleged misappropriation of premium funds. Valerie M. Muse confessed to her employer that she had misappropriated insurance premium and issued falsified certificates of insurance to customers.  

“Families who discover that their insurance policies are fraudulent after a natural disaster, traffic accident or any other catastrophe are victims of a terrible crime that can have repercussions for the rest of their lives,” said Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon. “The Louisiana Insurance Code comes down hard on these criminals and the Department works with law enforcement to punish those found guilty of these heartless acts to the fullest extent of the law.”

Muse has 30 days from the time of service to request an administrative appeal or the above actions will become final.

Individuals or businesses with information regarding this case or other insurance-related activities are encouraged to report these matters to the LDI Division of Fraud and Enforcement by calling (225) 342-4956 or 1-800-259-5300.

The Cease and Desist Order for Muse may be found here.

About the Louisiana Department of Insurance: The Louisiana Department of Insurance works to improve competition in the state’s insurance market while assisting individuals and businesses with the information and resources they need to be informed consumers of insurance. As a regulator, the LDI enforces the laws that provide a fair and stable marketplace and makes certain that insurers comply with the laws in place to protect policyholders. You can contact the LDI by calling 1-800-259-5300 or visiting www.ldi.la.gov. 

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