Covington Agent Served with Summary Suspension, Cease and Desist Order, Fine Notice and Notice of Proposed License Revocation

A Covington agent was served by Department of Insurance Fraud Section Investigators with a summary suspension, cease and desist order, fine notice and notice of proposed revocation today for alleged misappropriation and incompetence in performing duties in relation to the business of insurance.

Melissa Ann Rouse, 42, was served today by the Department of Insurance Fraud Section Investigators with a summary suspension of her license, a cease and desist order, a $4,000 fine notice and notice of proposed license revocation for alleged misappropriation and incompetence in conducting the business of insurance.  In relation to these activities, she was arrested by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office on July 20, 2010 on felony theft charges and entered into a Pre Trial Intervention Program with the St. Tammany Parish District Attorney’s Office in October 2010. 

Rouse allegedly misappropriated $750 in funds and showed incompetence in conducting the business of insurance which resulted in 62 incorrectly processed policies or applications of insurance.

Department records show that Rouse was issued a Property and Casualty license in June 2000 and a Life and Health license in December 2000. She has 30 days from time of service to pay her fine and request an administrative appeal.

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.