LA insurance agent charged with grand theft and forgery
News: 2019 Press Release
LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Richard Brian Willand, 54, of Sylmar, voluntarily surrendered at the Los Angeles County Superior Court in San Fernando on a warrant for his arrest for alleged grand theft of insurance premium payments, forgery and fraudulent misrepresentation.
On March 28, 2019, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office filed a criminal complaint against Willand for five felony counts encompassing one grand theft count under Penal Code Section 487(b)(3), three forgery counts under Penal Code Section, plus one count for misrepresentation under Penal Code Section 803(c).
Evidence discovered by CDI’s investigators revealed that Willand, who was a licensed insurance agent at the time, allegedly committed grand theft by embezzling and misappropriating insurance premium payments meant for securing liability insurance coverage for a consumer. Willand allegedly stole $3,380 from the victim.
Willand also allegedly provided fraudulent certificates of liability insurance to the victim, falsely misrepresenting that the victim had insurance coverage when in fact the victim did not. This action left the victim exposed to the danger of potential uninsured losses. The department revoked Willand’s license on April 12, 2019.
Media Notes:
- Willand was arraigned on May 23, 2019 at the San Fernando Courthouse, pleading not guilty to all counts filed against him and released on his own recognizance. His next court hearing is scheduled for June 24, 2019.
- This case is being prosecuted by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office and was filed under the “Enhanced Fraud – Non-Life and Annuity Producer Compliance” program.
Led by Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara, the California Department of Insurance is the consumer protection agency for the nation's largest insurance marketplace and safeguards all of the state’s consumers by fairly regulating the insurance industry. Under the Commissioner’s direction, the Department uses its authority to protect Californians from insurance rates that are excessive, inadequate, or unfairly discriminatory, oversee insurer solvency to pay claims, set standards for agents and broker licensing, perform market conduct reviews of insurance companies, resolve consumer complaints, and investigate and prosecute insurance fraud. Consumers are urged to call 1-800-927-4357 with any questions or contact us at www.insurance.ca.gov via webform or online chat. Non-media inquiries should be directed to the Consumer Hotline at 800-927-4357. Teletypewriter (TTY), please dial 800-482-4833.
