Released: October 8, 2009

Two West Monroe area agents were issued cease and desist orders, summary suspensions and fine notices for allegedly allowing unlicensed employees to conduct the business of insurance. Eight unlicensed individuals were also issued cease and desist orders today.

Michael Allen Morris, 46, was served by Department of Insurance Fraud Section Investigators on October 6 with an order to cease and desist from engaging in the business of insurance, a summary suspension of his license and a $25,350 fine notice. Dennis Edward Stuckey, 55, was served by Fraud Section Investigators yesterday with a cease and desist order, summary suspension of his license and $10,000 fine notice. John Marshall Jackson, III (35), Darryll Calvin Williams (38), Chelsea Lynn Canzian (22), Andrew Alexander Prince (44), Amy Renea Piro (39), Susan Jean Robinson (50), Sherry Renee Hale (46) and Laurie Anne Laurent (24) were all served with cease and desist orders yesterday for allegedly conducting the business of insurance without a license.

Morris and Stuckey are alleged to have knowingly allowed 19 unlicensed individuals to conduct insurance business for Mid South Benefits between 2008 and 2009. Records show that only Morris and Stuckey were properly licensed by the Department of Insurance. Morris, owner of Mid South Benefits, also did not license the agency with the Department as required by state law.

Department records show that Morris was issued a Life, Accident & Health license in August 1986 and Stuckey was issued a Life Insurance license in July 1998. Both licenses were valid until being summarily suspended on the date of service and will be permanently revoked 30 days from that time unless hearings are requested with the Department.

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.