Louisiana - The Louisiana Department of Insurance (LDI) has issued a Cease-and-Desist Order to Zechariah "Zack" Moore and Roofing Guys LLC, a roofing company based out of Lafayette, for allegedly attempting to defraud homeowners and their insurance company. The order was issued by Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple, who deemed that Moore and Roofing Guys LLC had violated Louisiana insurance laws and posed a danger to public health, safety, and welfare.

According to the LDI, Moore, a field representative of Roofing Guys LLC, allegedly intentionally damaged a homeowner's roof during a "cold call" roof inspection. He then misrepresented the cause of the damage to the homeowners and advised them to file a storm damage claim with their insurer. Moore allegedly told the homeowners that they would be able to get a new roof for only the cost of their deductible.

However, after a repair professional inspected the damage, the homeowners filed a police report against Moore, alleging that he had caused the damage to their roof with the intent to defraud. Moore was subsequently arrested by the Livingston Parish Sheriff's Office and charged with the felony offense of Damage to Property With Intent to Defraud.

"Homeowners in Louisiana deal with enough stress and uncertainty regarding the protection of their homes and families after a storm," Commissioner Temple said. "The LDI is working more closely than ever with our law enforcement partners, and we will not tolerate dishonest contractors or any other bad actors defrauding policyholders and insurers to make a profit."

Commissioner Temple also noted that the alleged actions of Moore and Roofing Guys LLC contributed to high rates of property insurance in Louisiana. "Our high rates of property insurance are made worse when insurance companies pay claims for manmade damage caused by bad actors," he said. "And our citizens suffer from losing trust in the individuals they need to help put their homes and lives back in order."

Livingston Parish Sheriff Jason Ard also warned homeowners to be cautious when hiring contractors for large projects. "Stay alert, citizens. If you need work, do your research before you allow someone to begin these large projects on your home," Sheriff Ard said. "The Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors is a good place to start your search. Keep documentation."

The LDI's Cease-and-Desist Order prohibits Moore and Roofing Guys LLC from engaging in any further insurance-related activities in Louisiana. The LDI also encourages homeowners to report any suspicious activity or alleged insurance scams to the department's Fraud Section.

An arrest is an indication that probable cause exists to believe the subject was involved in the offense alleged. All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.