Man Accused of Bilking La. Homeowner by Posing as Adjuster

A man who allegedly posed as an insurance adjuster to bilk at least one hurricane victim in New Orleans, La., has been arrested.

Steven Lee Cylka, 31, of Metairie was jailed in lieu of $20,500 bond after he was booked with forgery and two counts of theft, state police said.

A man from eastern New Orleans filed a complaint about him in January, said Sgt. Stacey Pearson, a state police spokeswoman.

The man told investigators he met Cylka while doing some satellite installation work for the suspect, Pearson said. Cylka allegedly said he could negotiate a settlement with State Farm Insurance Co. for $98,000, charging the man $2,100 in adjusting fees, Pearson said.

Cylka has never worked for State Farm, Pearson said. Cylka was charged with forgery for using a stolen check to pay the victim for the satellite services, she said.

Information from: The Times-Picayune, www.timespicayune.com.