Added Charges Filed against Former Orlando Agent

Following charges last July of grand theft and scheme to defraud, an Orlando, Fla. insurance agent has been arrested a second time for allegedly misappropriating workers’ compensation premiums paid by area businesses. The new charges also stem from the previous investigation.

Investigators with the department’s Division of Insurance Fraud say Beverly Jean Phillips, 62, failed to forward nearly $40,000 in workers’ comp premiums paid to her by 13 local businesses. Phillips allegedly issued false certificates of coverage to the employers, potentially leaving employees without protection in the event of an on-the-job injury. Phillips was charged with 13 counts of grand theft and one count of scheme to defraud. She was arrested and booked into the Orange County jail.

The charges follow Phillip’s arrest last July on similar charges. In September, she pleaded guilty to grand theft and was sentenced to three years of probation and community service. The department subsequently revoked her insurance license.