Released: October 26, 2009

Two former bail bond agents have been issued cease and desist orders and fine notices today for allegedly acting as bail bond agents without licenses and misappropriation.

Willie Joseph Irons, Jr., 59, was served by Department of Insurance Fraud Section Investigators with an order to cease and desist from engaging in the business of insurance and a $500 fine notice. Anndrea LaSalle-Irons, 42, was served by Fraud Section Investigators with a cease and desist order and a $10,500 fine notice.

Under the business name A&W Bail Bonds, they are alleged to have collected $1,800 from a client in order to secure a bail bond which they did not secure and did not reimburse to the client. They were also both working as bail bond agents without valid licenses.

Department records show that Willie Joseph Irons, Jr. was issued a bail bond license in November 1998 which expired in April 2003. Records show that Anndrea LaSalle-Irons was issued a bail bond license in April 1998 which expired in April 2001. She was also issued a cease and desist order by the Department of Insurance Fraud Section in December 2002.

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.