Minn. Man Pleads Guilty To Multiple Counts Of Fraud, Theft By Swindle

Targeted News Service

ST. PAUL, Minn., May 30 -- The Minnesota Department of Commerce issued the following news release:

Earlier today, 61-year-old Stephen A. Marrone of Saint Paul pleaded guilty to three counts of Theft by Swindle (counts 3, 4, and 6) in connection with multiple incidents of annuities fraud. Marrone and his co-defendant Robert S. Hertz were charged by the Ramsey County Attorney's on August 31, 2012, after an extensive investigation, conducted by the Department of Commerce Insurance Fraud Division, uncovered an annuity conversion scheme that replaced over $4.2 million of annuities.

"These individuals recycled their clients' insurance policies for personal gain," said Ramsey County Attorney John Choi. "Today's plea helps to bring some justice to the victims in this case."

In his plea, Marrone admitted that both he and Hertz, working on behalf of Marrone and Associates, talked clients into replacing $4.2 million in annuities with new and better products that would yield a 15-20 percent bonus for investors. Replacement policies are not subject to commission, therefore, Marrone and Hertz made false claims to Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America that the policies were new when, in fact, they were replacement policies. As a result of their misrepresentations, the pair received commission payments from Allianz totaling approximately $350,000.

"Justice has been served on Marrone and Hertz for preying on helpless seniors and robbing them of their retirement funds," said Commerce Commissioner Mike Rothman. "Investors, especially retirees, should not have to worry, and scammers like these must be held accountable. We appreciate everyone's cooperation in this matter."

For his crimes and guilty plea, Marrone agreed to 20 years probation, no more than 240 days in custody, and $360,847.93 in restitution. Judge Lezlie Ott Marek will preside over the final sentencing on July 12.

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