Former Dana Point insurance agent accused of pocketing nearly $200,000 in customer policy payments

Nov. 07--Prosecutors accused a former Dana Point insurance agent on Monday, Nov. 5, of pocketing almost $200,000 in insurance premium payments and leaving clients without coverage.

Ann Gabriela Garcia, 46, also known as Anna Nuno-Garcia, faces 40 felony counts of grand theft, according to a news release from the California Department of Insurance. It said she is suspected of embezzling over 300 checks totaling $195,626 while employed as an insurance agent at an independent State Farm branch between September 2011 and November 2014. She allegedly stole from customers who believed they were paying their premiums, officials said.

Garcia allegedly diverted money that was supposed to fund renters', home, life and auto insurance policies, but was instead deposited into her personal bank accounts. Her actions left her victims and other motorists susceptible to financial ruin in the event of a traffic collision, said authorities in the department's release.

"Garcia's alleged crimes are an example of why insurance fraud is not a victimless crime," said California Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones in a statement. "In order to line her own pockets, Garcia allegedly took advantage of people who trusted her."

Prosecutors also accused her of attempting to conceal her embezzlement by making 57 unauthorized transactions from a State Farm customer's bank account and using other clients' credit cards to buy money orders. Garcia allegedly used these to pay for other people's policies, according to the release. It said she also placed policy holders on unauthorized payment plans and misdirected customer billings, statements and refunds.

Authorities said her victims included extended family and the elderly.

Garcia's license to practice insurance expired in April after she failed to renew it, according to the release.

It said she was charged in Orange County Superior Court, and her bail was set at $20,000. Her case was investigated by the California Department of Insurance and was prosecuted by the Orange County District Attorney's office.

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