For more information, contact: Robert Luck, Consumer Attorney,
Phone: (608) 266-0082,
E-mail: robert.luck@wisconsin.gov

Madison, WI—OCI has taken the following administrative actions. In many of these cases the respondent denied the allegations but consented to the action taken. This list of administrative actions does not include actions for which a separate press release is done. Any forfeitures paid in these administrative actions are deposited in the Common School Fund which is administered by the Board of Commissioners of Public Lands. The earnings from this fund are distributed to all public K-12 schools in Wisconsin and are used by school libraries to purchase books. Copies of the administrative action orders may be viewed online at https://ociaccess.oci.wi.gov/OrderInfo/OrdInfo.oci.

OCI is responsible for overseeing the operations and marketing of insurance companies and agents in Wisconsin. OCI encourages anyone with a question or a complaint regarding an insurance company or agent to contact the office at this toll-free telephone number: 1-800-236-8517.

Allegations and Actions Against Agents

Leroy Avery, 1952 S. 57th, West Allis, WI 53219, agreed to pay a forfeiture of $5,000.00 and to surrender his life license and to undergo five years of supervision of his health license. This action was based on allegations of violating Wisconsin insurance laws by failing to properly consider suitability in selling an annuity to a senior citizen and making false and misleading statements to the consumer.

Sara L. Bennett, 4902 34th Ct. SE, Lacey, WA 98503, has had her application for an insurance license denied. This action was based on allegations of failing to respond promptly to inquiries from OCI and a criminal conviction substantially related to insurance marketing type conduct.

Aaron Michael Casey, 3651 Debra Way, San Jose, CA 95117, has had his application for an insurance license denied. This action was based on allegations of failing to respond promptly to inquiries from OCI and a criminal conviction substantially related to insurance marketing type conduct.

Joel Rufus French, 909 Rose Ln., Amory, MS 38821, paid a forfeiture of $2,500.00 and was ordered to comply with Wisconsin insurance laws. This action was based on allegations of improperly soliciting a Medicare Advantage policy, misrepresenting that he was contracted with Medicare, using telephone solicitation not in compliance with the law, and failing to notify OCI of a change of address.

Robert John Hertz, N2474 Cty. Rd. F, Walworth, WI 53184, has had his application for an insurance license denied. This action was based on allegations of failing to pay Wisconsin delinquent taxes due.

William Charles Korbitz, E5985 852nd Ave., Colfax, WI 54730, has had his license denied for 31 days. This action was based on allegations of failing to disclose previous Wisconsin administrative actions on an insurance license application.

Michael Charles Rivera, 1543 S. 14th St., Milwaukee, WI 53204, has had his application for an insurance license denied. This action was based on allegations of failing to respond promptly to inquiries from OCI and a criminal conviction substantially related to insurance marketing type conduct.

Michael R. Steinberg, 1131 Prairie Dr., Racine, WI 53406, agreed to pay a forfeiture of $3,000.00 and to make restitution to the consumers in the amount of $2,000.00 for taxes incurred. Mr. Steinberg is also required to be under supervision for three years with regard to his solicitations and sales of annuity products. This action was based on allegations of making false and misleading communications to consumers and failing to ensure a reasonable basis for the suitability of recommending the replacement of annuities to seniors.

Debra Marie Timko, 215 W. Maple St. #412, Milwaukee, WI 53204, has had her application for an insurance license denied. This action was based on allegations of a criminal conviction substantially related to insurance marketing type conduct.

Rosella M. Tucker, 3352 N. 55th St., Milwaukee, WI 53216, has had her application for an insurance license denied. This action was based on allegations of failing to respond promptly to inquiries from OCI regarding unemployment court action and failing to pay delinquent taxes due.

Tracey Maria Williams, 306 E. Pine St., Sellersville, PA 18960, has had her license denied for 31 days. This action was based on allegations of failing to disclose administrative action taken by the state of Florida on an insurance license application.

Allegations and Actions Against Companies

North American Company for Life and Health Insurance, One Midland Plaza, Sioux Falls, SD 57193, was ordered to pay $29,268.36 in restitution to the consumer. This action was based on allegations of the insurer's agent making false and misleading statements to consumers regarding an insurance transaction and failing to make proper suitability determinations when selling annuities to consumers.

Copies of Administrative Actions