FORMER INSURANCE AGENT CHARGED
WITH THEFT, INSURANCE FRAUD

Attorney General J. Joseph Curran, Jr., announced today the filing of criminal theft and insurance fraud charges against Stephen R. Hitch, 48, of Salisbury. In a 40-count indictment filed in the Circuit Court for Wicomico County, Hitch was charged with stealing $293,639 from American Liberty Financial Services, Inc. and Prime Rate Premium Finance Corporation, Inc. The indictment follows a joint investigation conducted by the Insurance Fraud Division of the Maryland Insurance Administration and the Office of the Attorney General.

If convicted of theft, Hitch could be sentenced to serve 15 years in prison and fined $1,000. He also faces 15 years imprisonment and a $10,000 fine if convicted of insurance fraud.

An indictment is merely an accusation of wrongdoing, and every individual is presumed innocent until the charges are proven by the State. No trial date has been set.

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