Howell, MI - A Howell insurance agent who pleaded guilty to defrauding her clients will serve jail time, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced Friday, January 28, 2022.
Alicia Holbrook-Bloink, 44, and her insurance agency, Holbrook Insurance Agency LLC, pleaded guilty to multiple felonies in December 2021. She was ordered to stand trial in Oct. 2020 after a three-day preliminary examination.
Her guilty plea was to conducting a criminal enterprise, while the corporation pleaded guilty to conducting a criminal enterprise, embezzlement, identity theft, and tax evasion.
Between 2015 and 2018, Holbrook-Bloink used her insurance agency to embezzle nearly $375,000 by taking money from clients who paid in full, and then forging finance agreements with premium finance companies to ensure the client had the policy issued while Holbrook-Bloink used their money. These finance contracts were regularly not paid, and insurance policies would be canceled, often without the client knowing.
The case was referred to the Department of Attorney General by the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) after several of the victims filed complaints. It was investigated by DIFS and special agents from the Department of Attorney General.
“We thank the Attorney General’s Office for its partnership in prosecuting this case and bringing justice for individuals who were harmed by this crime,” said DIFS Director Anita Fox. “DIFS is committed to protecting Michigan consumers in the insurance and financial services industries.”
Thursday, Chief Judge Michael Hatty in Livingston County Circuit Court sentenced Holbrook-Bloink to one year in jail and three years' probation. Restitution will be addressed during a June 10 hearing.
“When the people we hire to protect our assets choose instead to pocket our money, there must be consequences,” Nessel said. “My office remains committed to ensuring Michiganders are not taken advantage of by bad actors. I will continue to work with the Department of Insurance and Financial Services to protect our residents from dishonest practices.”
Consumers who have concerns about insurance agents in Michigan can file a complaint with DIFS for investigation online. DIFS investigates criminal and fraudulent activity related to the insurance and financial markets and works with the Attorney General and other law enforcement to prosecute these crimes. Suspected insurance fraud can be reported to DIFS safely, easily and, in most cases, anonymously by calling 877-999-6442 or online by visiting DIFS' website.