Released: October 30,2008

A New Orleans area bail bond agent has been arrested, issued a cease and desist order and notice of license revocation and fine today for misappropriation of premiums.

Dionne Michelle Gillard, 38, was arrested today by Louisiana State Police on one count of theft. She was also served with a cease and desist order, notice of license revocation and a $10,000 fine today by Department of Insurance Fraud Section Investigators for alleged misappropriation and unlawful withholding of premiums.

Gillard is alleged to have accepted premiums for bail bonds which she failed to procure and did not remit to the insurer or refund to the customer. She is also alleged to have written bail bonds under an agency with which she did not have the authority to write or issue powers due to termination of employment. Furthermore, she is alleged to have collected approximately $7,800 in premiums for another agency which she misappropriated or otherwise unlawfully withheld.

Department records show that Gillard was issued a Bail Bond license in August 2004 which was valid until today’s action.

Commissioner Donelon urges consumers who feel uneasy about any insurance related transaction to call the Department of Insurance Fraud Section at 225-342-4956 or 1-800-259-5300. If callers do not want their names used, they can request that their involvement be kept confidential.