Former Georgia Mayor Faces Insurance Fraud Charges

The former mayor of Milledgeville has turned himself in to face a dozen charges of insurance fraud.

The Macon Telegraph reported that 52-year-old Richard Bentley was booked at Baldwin County Jail on Monday. Officers said Bentley is under arrest for misappropriation of insurance premiums of more than $34,000 and issuing fraudulent certificates of insurance.

Police say the affidavits describe incidents from September 2013 through October 2014, with Bentley accused of pocketing premiums instead of buying policies.

Bentley blamed health problems for him resigning as mayor in February after 10 years. He had been on medical leave since last October. Several candidates are running to replace him in a June 16 special election.

Bentley was also the former owner of Wilkinson Insurance Agency.