Oak Harbor woman challenges insurance company

PORT CLINTON — An Oak Harbor woman currently serving time in prison for stealing over half a million dollars while working at a local travel agency is challenging the amount that the Pittsburgh-based insurance company claims she still owes.

On Oct. 8, the National Union Fire Insurance Co., of Pittsburgh, filed a lawsuit against Michelle Ireland, 55, of the 400 block of N. Benton Road, who formerly worked as a travel agent at the AAA Port Clinton location.

The insurance company claims that Ireland pocketed close to $516,000 in cash payments from AAA customers "for her own personal benefit," according to civil and criminal court records.

As a result, the insurance company is attempting to recover about $466,000 in funds it claims she still owes even though Ireland has already paid the required $50,000 in criminal restitution.

On Nov. 24, Ireland, who is currently representing herself, stated that, due to her incarceration, she is “unable to admit or deny each numbered allegation individually at this time” and “disputes the accuracy and calculation of the alleged ($466,000) balance.”

Ireland additionally requested that the court consider the following:

• Allow her additional time to obtain counsel

• Deny all relief sought by the insurance company

• Require the insurance company to provide strict proof of all allegations made against her

• Take into consideration that she is presently incarcerated and is unable to participate in future hearings on this matter without accommodations

• Grant any further relief that the Court deems to be just and proper

Another hearing for this case is set for Jan. 12, according to court records.

Background

On March 14, Ottawa County Common Pleas Court Judge Bruce Winters sentenced Ireland to two years in prison after she previously pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated theft, a third-degree felony, according to court records.

Other counts — including one count of money laundering, a third-degree felony; and one count of possessing criminal tools and forgery, both fifth-degree felonies — were dismissed.

Ireland’s felony charges stem from her work as a travel agent at AAA’s Port Clinton office, according to the civil complaint filed by the insurance company.

The thefts began in 2019 and continued until AAA discovered the illegal activity in 2023, according to the civil complaint.

In an effort to conceal the theft, Ireland used payments made by other customers to fund the travel and vacation expenses of those she stole from in a “Ponzi scheme-like manner,” the civil complaint states.

In addition to using payments from other customers, Ireland also “issued unauthorized and unapproved AAA gift certificates” and used them to fund the travel and vacation expenses of those she stole from.

On May 12, 2023, AAA discovered Ireland’s theft and reported her to law enforcement.

As a result of Ireland’s scheme, AAA was required to reimburse all customers who paid for travel and expenses but did not receive what they paid for due to her theft, the complaint states.