LANSING – Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel today announced charges against Alicia Holbrook-Bloink for conducting a criminal enterprise by taking over $350,000 of clients’ money between 2015 and 2018.
Holbrook-Bloink was charged with one count of conducting criminal enterprises; two counts of embezzlement of $100,000 or more; two counts of taxes—failure to file/false return/payment; and four counts of identity theft.
Holbrook-Bloink allegedly used her insurance agency, Holbrook Insurance Agency LLC, to defraud her clients and embezzle their money. Holbrook-Bloink would take money from clients who paid in full, and then forge finance agreements with the insurance underwriters to ensure the client had the policy issued while Holbrook-Bloink used their money. These finance contracts were regularly not paid, and insurance would be canceled, often without the client knowing. Holbrook-Bloink ultimately could not continue this scheme, and allegedly stole clients’ money without even attempting to enter a finance agreement or have an insurance policy issued.
The case was referred to the Michigan Department of Attorney General by the Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) after several of the victims filed complaints. It was investigated by DIFS and the special agents from the Department of Attorney General.
“Michigan consumers and businesses rely on licensed insurance agents to obtain policies to protect themselves from liability, not to have their hard-earned money robbed of them through deceitful business practices,” Nessel said. “My office will continue to work with DIFS to investigate and prosecute agents that violate the trust of their clients and the law.”
“Alicia Holbrook-Bloink is accused of violating her clients’ trust and leaving them without insurance coverage while pocketing their premiums for herself,” said DIFS Director Anita Fox. “Ensuring consumers are protected from unscrupulous actors, especially those whose job it is to protect their interests, is a top priority for the Department. This case is another example of how DIFS and the Attorney General are working together to get results for Michigan consumers.”
Holbrook-Bloink was arraigned Friday in front of Magistrate Jerry Sherwood of the Livingston County District Court, following her arrest by agents from the Attorney General’s office. She was released from jail on a $100,000 personal recognizance bond.
A probable cause conference has been scheduled for 8:30 a.m. July 21.
