https://www.insurancejournal.com/news/midwest/2021/02/22/602244.htm

A former Iowa insurance agent has been charged money laundering and fraud, among other charges, the Iowa Insurance Division reported.

Michael J. Heiberger, age 52, of Epworth, has been charged with one count of money laundering (C Felony), six counts of fraudulent sales practices (Class D Felony), and nine counts of violating a cease and desist order (Class D Felony), the division said.

The charges against Heiberger stem from an investigation by the division’s Fraud Bureau, which began in 2019.

According to criminal complaints filed by the Iowa Insurance Fraud Bureau, Heiberger, while acting as an insurance producer altered customers’ premium payment schedules and amounts to use the funds for unauthorized business and personal expenses.

The division alleges that Heiberger misappropriated more than $30,000 in premium from six clients

Heiberger allegedly continued to act as an insurance producer without a license in violation of a Cease and Desist order by the Iowa Insurance Division on May 1, 2020.

On Feb. 18, 2021, Heiberger was arrested and booked into the Dubuque County Jail. Heiberger was later released on bond.

The division noted that a criminal charge is merely an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.