Santa Barbara bail agent arraigned for felony grand theft
News: 2022 Press Release
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. — Previously licensed bail agent and insurance producer Sean Wilczak, 29, was arraigned today in Santa Barbara County Superior Court on three felony counts of grand theft for allegedly stealing $25,000 from three bail clients.
The California Department of Insurance initiated an investigation after receiving multiple complaints from Wilczak's bail clients, in which they alleged Wilczak took cash from them, but failed to post a bail bond.
The Department's investigation revealed that Wilczak advertised himself as the owner of Wolf Bail Bonds, which is not a registered business entity with the Department of Insurance or with the California Secretary of State as required by law.
While using the unregistered business name, Wilczak met with the families of two different criminal defendants who were seeking bail. During these meetings, Wilczak secured a combined total of $25,000 in cash for bail deposits. However, Wilczak failed to post the defendants’ bonds. To date, Wilczak has not filed bond applications on behalf of either of the criminal defendants, nor has he refunded any of the cash payments he received.
The Department revoked Wilczak's license on August 22, 2022. This case is being prosecuted by the Santa Barbara County District Attorney’s office.
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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.
