FORMER AGENT CHARGED WITH THEFT AND INSURANCE FRAUD

Maryland Attorney General J. Joseph Curran, Jr., announced today the filing of criminal theft and insurance fraud charges against Karen L. Hamilton, 48, formerly of Derwood, Maryland. She currently lives in San Antonio, Texas. In a sixteen (16) count indictment filed in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Hamilton was charged with stealing $9,120.28 from ten (10) individuals between November 2003 and June 2004, the monies representing premium payments for various insurance policies. Hamilton was a licensed agent during this time period.

The indictment follows a joint investigation conducted by the Insurance Fraud Division of the Maryland Insurance Administration and the Office of the Attorney General. 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.

If convicted of theft, Hamilton could be sentenced to serve 15 years in prison and fined $25,000. She also faces 15 years imprisonment and a $10,000 fine if convicted on the insurance fraud counts.