Former insurance agent is jailed and must pay compensation for insurance fraud and theft [Independent Record, Helena, Mont.] – InsuranceNewsNet

January 25—Former insurance agent Marc Anthony Biegler was sentenced to 90 days in prison on Wednesday with a suspended 10-year prison sentence for pleading guilty to six counts of insurance fraud and theft on the 1st Lewis Judicial District Court and Clark County, state officials said.

He was ordered by the judge Michel Menahan to pay $150,000 in restitution to six victims against whom he committed criminal insurance fraud.

“I am happy that the victims will receive restitution and that Biegler will pay for his crimes,” he added. Troy Downing, state auditor and securities and insurance commissioner, said in a news release. “I hope Biegler reflects on the pain he has caused his victims as he spends his time behind bars and the following years paying damages.”

Biegler, who worked for international HUBwas originally charged with nine counts of criminal insurance fraud and premium theft on February 10, 2021.

Biegler presented fake insurance premium bills to these six clients, state officials said. He collected the premiums and kept the money without placing the insurance policy that he “sold” to them. He presented false commercial insurance certificates to companies and committed insurance premium theft to gain unauthorized control over the premiums paid to five companies in Helen, Fairfield, White Hall, Kalispell and Know to obtain insurance that was never placed, Downing’s office said.

“Insurance agents are in a position of trust. When they break that trust, we will hold them accountable,” Downing said, adding that Biegler was a “crook” who took advantage of people while risking the reputation of the industry. insurances.

He said he appreciated Menahan explaining the effect Biegler’s actions were having on the industry in his sentencing decision.

The Montana State Auditor, Commissioner of Securities and Insurance, prosecuted the case. The department is a criminal justice agency that investigates and prosecutes insurance and securities fraud. Montana residents can contact CSI if they believe they have been the victim of fraud or abuse by their agent or insurance company.

Megan Michelotti can be attached to [email protected].

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