New Orleans man arrested in connection with fraudulent insurance policies, State Police say

A New Orleans man has been accused of more than a dozen counts of insurance fraud amid a state investigation into the practices of Marrero insurance company, two Louisiana agencies announced Wednesday.

Erik Sandoval-Flores, 32, was arrested and accused of 19 counts of forgery of certificate insurance in connection with fradulent insurance policies issued by Garcia-Downs Multiservices, formerly A&R Insurance, in Marrero, according to the Louisiana State Police and the Louisiana Department of Insurance. Sandoval-Flores was also placed on a Homeland Security detainer for alleged immigration violations, authorities said.

State Police began investigating A&R Insurance and allegations of forged insurance claims in June 2021. State Police said in a news release the business continued to write nonexistant insurance policies despite a cease and desist order issued by the Louisiana Department of Insurance.

In August, authorities searched the business, which by then was operating as Garcia-Downs Multiservices. Investigators identified Sandoval-Flores as the business manager and discovered documents that allegedly showed his involvement in the forgery of the insurance claims, State Police said.

"An unlicensed individual and agency soliciting, selling and servicing bogus insurance policies to Louisiana drivers is deplorable," Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon said in the news release. "Those 250 drivers believe they have legitimate insurance and need to take action immediately to rectify the situation."

The investigation into the business is ongoing.