Floyd County insurance agent arrested for fraud

FLOYD COUNTY, Ga. - A Floyd County insurance agent was arrested on fraud charges related to the misappropriation of insurance premiums, according to The Georgia Department of Insurance.

Marshall Irwin, 56, owner and operator of the Irwin Agency in Rome, Ga., was arrested Thursday morning and charged with six counts of insurance fraud.

Department of Insurance Fraud investigators determined that between 2015 and 2017 Irwin accepted approximately $20,000 from his clients to pay premiums for workers compensation insurance, but instead of forwarding the money to the insurance company to place coverage, he converted it for his personal use.

“The actions of Mr. Irwin have put consumers and business at significant financial risk,” said Deputy Insurance Commissioner Jay Florence. “We will not tolerate any insurance agent stealing from policyholders.”

Irwin was taken into custody at his agency located at 1850 Redmond Circle, Suite 800 in Rome, Ga., and booked into the Floyd County Jail.

Irwin has been a licensed Georgia insurance agent since 1989.

Deputy Commissioner Florence urges anyone who has purchased insurance from Marshall Irwin or the Irwin Agency, to verify their coverage with the insurance company listed on their policy or contact the Georgia Department of Insurance for assistance at 800-656-2298.

Insurance fraud is a felony with a penalty of two to 10 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $10,000.