Tragic death uncovers alleged insurance fraud by Oxnard licensed agent
News: 2026 Press Release
VENTURA, Calif. — Licensed insurance agent Gonzalo Lorona, 58, of Oxnard, has been charged with 37 felony counts, including insurance fraud and grand theft, after a California Department of Insurance investigation found he allegedly stole client premium payments and issued fraudulent insurance certificates leaving organizations uninsured and at financial risk.
The investigation began after a soccer player tragically lost their life following a fight during a game. The Ventura County School District discovered the certificate provided by the local soccer league was fake and the policy listed on the certificate, which was issued by Lorona’s agency, did not exist. The district requires leagues to carry insurance before using school fields.
Investigators identified 13 fraudulent insurance certificates and found that from 2018 to 2024, Lorona allegedly stole more than $10,000 from five soccer league owners who believed they had valid coverage. Instead of purchasing policies, Lorona allegedly kept the cash and issued fake certificates, leaving leagues uninsured and exposing the school district to financial risk.
The Department of Insurance has initiated action against Lorona’s insurance license. This case is being prosecuted by the Ventura 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.
