Former Shenandoah Funeral Director Charged in Insurance Fraud Investigation

DES MOINES, Iowa, April 26 -- The Iowa Department of Commerce's Insurance Division issued the following news release:

Michael Dean Kirsch, age 43, of Shenandoah was charged with ongoing criminal conduct-influencing enterprise, a Class B Felony, three Class C Felony counts of first degree theft, seven Class D Felony counts of second degree theft, and third and fourth degree theft following an investigation by the Iowa Insurance Division's Fraud Bureau (Fraud Bureau).

The charges against Kirsch stem from an investigation that began in December 2016 after the Fraud Bureau was notified by the Iowa Insurance Division's Securities and Regulated Industries Bureau that Kirsch allegedly misappropriated his client's funds which were intended for burial relate expenses.

Kirsch, in his capacity as a funeral home owner, engaged in the selling of preneed agreements to customers using forms that would lead customers to believe they were obtaining an insurance contract to pay for funeral expenses, services and merchandise. It is alleged that Kirsch instead used the funds he obtained under this understanding for his personal financial gain on a continuing basis.

On April 24th, 2018, Kirsch was arrested on a Page County Iowa warrant and released from the Page County Jail after posting $50,000 bond pending further court proceedings

Iowans with information about insurance fraud are encouraged to contact the Iowa Insurance Division's Fraud Bureau at 515-242-5304.

See below for information released regarding the previous administrative action against Kirsch. As a result of the previous administrative action, Kirsch paid restitution of $32,813.88 to eight Iowans affected by his actions.

Order for Suspension, Order to Cease and Desist, and Notice of Opportunity

For Hearing Order and Consent to Order

No additional information will be provided at this time.

Photo courtesy of Page County Sheriff's Office.

Note: A criminal charge is merely an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.