News: 2010 Press Release

Insurance Commissioner Poizner announced today that Luis Daniel Trevino, 35, of Porterville, pled guilty to grand theft and identity theft.

"Agents who pocket insurance premiums damage victims twice - first by stealing their money and then leaving them uninsured and exposed to financial ruin," said Commissioner Poizner. "Let this be a warning to insurance agents everywhere - if you steal from your customers, you will get caught and you will be prosecuted."

A joint investigation conducted by the Tulare County Sheriff's Department and the California Department of Insurance revealed that on July 31, 2008, Trevino received a $5,820.60 check from The Poplar Church of God, for the purpose of securing commercial liability insurance. Trevino allegedly misappropriated the money for his own personal use, and failed to place coverage for the church.

Through the course of the investigation, it was revealed that Trevino allegedly failed to remit premium for three additional victims. One victim was given fraudulent proof of insurance and on December 9, 2008, was involved in an accident. The victim then learned that he was uninsured. As a result of Trevino's failure to place coverage, the victim suffered an uncovered loss of $10,600.

Trevino was arrested on March 2 and booked into the Porterville County Jail. On March 19, 2010, he pled guilty to one count of grand theft and one count of identity theft. Trevino is due to be sentenced on April 16, 2010.

Trevino's insurance agent license has been revoked.

The Tulare District Attorney's Office prosecuted this case.