Texas Enforcement Actions Total $42K in October 2008

December 1, 2008

The Texas Department of Insurance announced enforcement actions that became final during October include three license revocations and fines and restitution totaling $42,600.

An order imposing disciplinary measures becomes final 20 days after the agent or insurance company has received notice of the order unless a motion for rehearing is filed within that period.

A motion for rehearing stays the finality of an order until the Commissioner of Insurance acts upon the motion or upon the operation of law. Commissioner’s orders are subject to appeal to state district court.

Final Disciplinary Orders for October 2008

Bazemore, Vincent John Jr. of Aubrey
Order Number: 080912
Date of Order: 10/24/2008
Order Final In: October
Action Taken: General Life, Accident and Health License revoked
Violation: Engaged in fraudulent or dishonest acts or practices; Securities fraud

Byrne, William Erik of Corpus Christi
Order Number: 080921
Date of Order: 10/29/2008
Order Final In: October
Action Taken: $10,000 fine
Violation: Sold variable annuity policies not approved by TDI; Unauthorized insurance

First American Title Insurance Company – Corpus Christi of Corpus Christi
Order Number: 080872
Date of Order: 10/3/2008
Order Final In: October
Action Taken: $2,300 fine
Violation: Illegal rebates for referrals of title insurance business; Provided door prizes for real estate open house events

Hill, Michelle Nanette of Irving
Order Number: 080913
Date of Order: 10/24/2008
Order Final In: October
Action Taken: $4,800 fine
Violation: Failed to timely file Annual Agent Reports for Risk Retention and Purchasing Groups

Humana Health Plan of Texas, Inc. of Green Bay, WI
Order Number: 080873
Date of Order: 10/3/2008
Order Final In: October
Action Taken: $2,500 fine
Violation: Failed to pay independent review organization fees on a timely basis

Johnson, Andrew P.; d/b/a Dimmit County Land Title Company of Carrizo Springs
Order Number: 080871
Date of Order: 10/3/2008
Order Final In: October
Action Taken: $10,000 fine
Violation: Failed to timely provide an annual trust fund account audit report

Medfund USA, LLC of Riverview, FL
Order Number: 080874
Date of Order: 10/3/2008
Order Final In: October
Action Taken: Cease and Desist Order
Violation: Unauthorized insurance

Musick, Leon Douglas of Fort Worth
Order Number: 080875
Date of Order: 10/3/2008
Order Final In: October
Action Taken: General Life, Accident and Health License revoked
Violation: Engaged in fraudulent or dishonest acts or practices; Marketing and selling unregistered securities

Ogundana, Sylvester Lanre of Houston
Order Number: 080911
Date of Order: 10/24/2008
Order Final In: October
Action Taken: General Life, Accident and Health License and General Property and Casualty License revoked
Violation: Engaged in fraudulent or dishonest acts or practices; Misappropriated or converted money belonging to an insurer or insured

Paradise Settlement Services, LLC, Harris, Earl Lee, III, Perkins, Dee, Crantz, Kevin Peter of Lewisville, Plano, Euless
Order Number: 080887
Date of Order: 10/10/2008
Order Final In: October
Action Taken: $10,000 in fines; Cease and Desist Order
Violation: Unlicensed personnel acting as escrow officers

Union Insurance Company of Des Moines, Iowa
Order Number: 080920
Date of Order: 10/29/2008
Order Final In: October
Action Taken: $3,000 fine
Violation: Failed to pay independent review organization fees on a timely basis

Source: Texas Department of Insurance, www.tdi.state.tx.us