Madison, Wis. — The Office of the Commissioner of Insurance (OCI) is responsible for administering and enforcing the insurance laws of Wisconsin. This includes monitoring the financial and marketing practices of individuals and companies. Each month, OCI publishes the administrative actions it has taken against these entities. The actions are issued by OCI when licensing applicants, or licensed individuals or companies have violated Wisconsin insurance statutes or regulations. In some cases, the individual or company denied the stated allegations but consented to the action taken. OCI strives to ensure fair and honest business practices to protect Wisconsin insurance consumers through this type of transparency. Copies of the administrative orders may be viewed online at
ociaccess.oci.wi.gov/OrderInfo/OrdInfo.oci.
Any forfeitures paid are deposited in Wisconsin's Common School Fund administered by the Board of Commissioners of Public Lands. Earnings from the Fund are distributed to all public K-12 schools in the state and are used by school libraries to purchase materials such as books, newspapers, and computers.
If you have a question or complaint regarding an insurance company or agent you can use the online complaint form on our website,
oci.wi.gov, or contact OCI at 1-800-236-8517.
Allegations and Actions Against Agents
Shaun Gerhardt, 4106 N 6th St., Wausau, WI 54403, had his application for an insurance license denied. This action was taken based on allegations of owing delinquent child support and failing to respond to inquiries from OCI.
Benjamin R. Gibbs, 3501 Cross Hill Dr., Apt. 103, Madison, WI 53718, had his application for an insurance license denied. This action was taken based on allegations of having criminal convictions that may be substantially related to insurance marketing type conduct, having unpaid civil money judgments, exhibiting financial irresponsibility in the conduct of business, and failing to disclose lawsuit information on a licensing application.
Sandra A. Nava Mendoza, 1211 S 18th St., Milwaukee, WI 53204, had her application for an insurance license denied. This action was taken based on allegations of having expired work authorization and failing to respond to inquiries from OCI.
Jeffrey S. Nimmow, S7818 Ruthe Badger Ln., Merrimac, WI 53561, agreed to pay a forfeiture of $12,000.00. This action was taken, following an administrative hearing, based on allegations of engaging in prohibited business practices.
John A. Searer, Professional Wealth Advisors, 2655 Warrenville Rd., Downers Grove, IL 60515, agreed to certain disclosure and reporting requirements as a condition of his insurance licensure. This action was taken based on allegations of having involvement in a lawsuit containing allegations of breach of fiduciary duty and a FINRA arbitration.
Dylan J. Smith, 6415 Pleasant Hill Dr., West Bend, WI 53095, agreed to accurately and completely submit future licensing applications, to report administrative actions as required by insurance laws, and to respond in writing within ten days of all OCI inquiries. These actions were taken based on allegations of providing inaccurate information on licensing applications.
Treayshia Tatum, 1108 Canterfield Pkwy. W, West Dundee, IL 60118, had her insurance license revoked. This action was taken based on allegations of owing delinquent Wisconsin taxes.
Benjamin W. VanHorn, 153 Clark St. S, West Salem, WI 54669, had his application for registration as a public adjuster denied. This action was taken based on allegations of committing acts subject to penalty under s. 629.13, Wis. Stat.
Allegations and Actions Against Other Entities
Sonja M. Dedrick, 603 Mark Dr., Verona, WI 53593, had her application for a federal crime waiver denied. This action was taken based on allegations of having a criminal conviction that prevents her from engaging in the business of insurance.
Nancy L. Lokker, 434 St. Claire Ave., Sheboygan, WI 53081, had her application for a federal crime waiver denied. This action was taken based on allegations of having a criminal conviction that prevents her from engaging in the business of insurance.