Released: November 12, 2009

An Alexandria agent has been issued a cease and desist order, a summary suspension of her license and fine notice today for allegedly allowing unlicensed employees to conduct the business of insurance. Her agency and one employee were issued cease and desist orders and fine notices today. A second employee was issued a fine notice.

Charlotte Ann Ray, 67, was served by Department of Insurance Fraud Section Investigators with an order to cease and desist from engaging in the business of insurance, summary suspension of her license and a $10,500 fine notice. Her agency, Charlotte A. Ray Insurance, Inc., was also issued an order to cease and desist from allowing unlicensed individuals to conduct the business of insurance and a $10,500 fine notice. Joanna Leigh Mills, 35, was issued a $2,500 fine notice today for allegedly conducting the business of insurance without a license and forging signatures. Kelsie Elizabeth Ray, 21, was issued a cease and desist order and $9,500 fine notice today for allegedly conducting the business of insurance without a license and forging signatures.

Charlotte Ann Ray and Charlotte Ann Ray Insurance, Inc., are alleged to have knowingly allowed Joanna Leigh Mills and Kelsie Elizabeth Ray to conduct the business of insurance without a license while employed by the agency. Joanna Leigh Mills and Kelsie Elizabeth Ray are alleged to have knowingly conducted insurance business specifically reserved for licensed insurance producers and to have forged Charlotte Ann Ray’s signature on documents related to the business of insurance.

Department records show that Charlotte Ann Ray was issued a Property, Casualty and Vehicle Physical Damage license in December 1984 which was valid until today’s action. She was also issued a Life, Accident and Health license in November 1984 and an Auto Club Service license in September 2005, both of which have lapsed. Ray’s license will be permanently revoked 30 days from the time of service unless a hearing is requested with the Department of Insurance.

Since these alleged acts, Joanna Leigh Mills was issued a Property, Casualty and Vehicle Physical Damage license by the Department of Insurance in October 2009. Mills has 30 days from time of service to pay her fine. If she does not, her license will be suspended until the fine is paid. Kelsie Elizabeth Ray has never been licensed with the Department of Insurance. Kelsie Elizabeth Ray will not be allowed to obtain an insurance license until her fine is paid.

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.