Scam/News
Sioux Falls Man Sentenced on Felony Insurance Fraud ChargesMarch 14th, 2006
Dept. of Revenue and Regulation
Pierre, SD 57501
A former Sioux Falls insurance agent was sentenced March 10, 2006 to 21 years in prison and ordered to pay restitution to his victims after pleading guilty to six felony counts of insurance fraud and theft.
The charges against Ryan L. Wingler stemmed from incidents in October 2003 through March of 2005 in which he embezzled funds from six elderly South Dakota residents totaling nearly $350,000.
An investigation by the Dept. of Revenue and Regulation's Div. of Insurance and criminal investigation by the Insurance Fraud Prevention Unit revealed Wingler had sold fraudulent insurance policies to five of the victims and taken money from the sixth on the pretense of investing it for him; Wingler used the stolen money to purchase luxury items for himself.
"The results of this case illustrate the effectiveness and necessity for the state's insurance fraud unit", Tim Weber, Deputy Secretary of the department, said.
Merle Scheiber, Insurance Division Director, says the case in general should remind people to contact the division or the Insurance Fraud Prevention Unit if they suspect they are the victim of fraudulent activities.
"Purchasing insurance is a serious decision for any individual, regardless of their age, and in buying a policy, they are putting their trust in that insurance agent. If the consumer feels they are not being treated fairly or think the agent's actions may be fraudulent, they should contact us immediately so we can investigate those suspicions," Scheiber said.