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Regulatory Action Taken by Louisiana Department of Insurance Against Public Adjuster for Fraud

On August 23, 2022, the Louisiana Department of Insurance (LDI) reported that investigators from the Office of Insurance Fraud recently issued a cease-and-desist order and notice of summary suspension to non-resident public adjuster Andrew Joseph Mitchell for intentionally and knowingly supplying false or fraudulent information to the LDI and for improperly withholding, misappropriating, or converting monies received while conducting insurance business.

The LDI took action on July 22 against Andrew Mitchell’s son, Kade Mitchell, and Mitchell Adjusting International, LLC for wrongfully withholding, misappropriating, or converting funds on two different claims totaling $267,441.43. Following the LDI’s action in July, Andrew Mitchell emailed the LDI to inform them that payment had been made to policyholders for both claims. Investigators discovered, however, that the checks in question had not been received, and that Mitchell Adjusting International’s bank account lacked sufficient assets to support the amounts he claimed to be paying.

On August 18, fraud investigators served a revocation notice and a $50,000 fine on Kade Austen Mitchell and the agency. The LDI’s action against Kade Mitchell follows earlier LDI action. The prior action’s details can be found by following this link.

“The actions by these two men to defraud insureds is especially egregious when folks are trying to get their homes, businesses, and lives back in order,” said Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon. “The LDI will remain diligent in the investigation of fraud committed against Louisiana residents.”

Domiciled in Texas, Kade Mitchell was issued a non-resident public adjuster license in Louisiana on December 10, 2020, and is listed as the designated responsible party for Mitchell Adjusting International, LLC, which was licensed in Louisiana on September 21, 2020. Both licenses have been revoked. Andrew Mitchell was initially licensed by the LDI on May 7, 2020, as a non-resident public adjuster.

Individuals who believe they have witnessed or been a victim of insurance fraud are encouraged to report it to the LDI Office of Insurance Fraud by calling 225-342-4956 or by following this link.

A copy of the August 16 cease-and-desist order and summary suspension against Andrew Mitchell is available by following this link.

A copy of the August 18 notice of revocation and fine against Kade Mitchell is available by following this link.

Follow this link to report a typo or other issue.