Hamm revokes Minot bail bond agent Karen Andrews' license Posted on 5/17/2012
BISMARCK, N.D.-North Dakota Insurance Commissioner Adam Hamm has revoked the license of Karen Andrews, a Minot bail bond agent. The revocation bars her from selling, soliciting or negotiating bail bonds in North Dakota.
Andrews applied for a resident insurance bail bond agent license in March 2011. On her initial application, Andrews did not indicate she had been convicted of any crimes. However, a check of North Dakota court records revealed that she had been convicted of issuing a check with insufficient funds in 2004 and 2008. Further investigation also revealed six outstanding judgments against Andrews totaling approximately $8,100. Applicants are required to disclose certain criminal convictions.
Andrews was ultimately offered and agreed to a conditional license with several specific provisions, one of which barred her from handling funds in any insurance-related employment for three years. During this probation period, the Insurance Department received a complaint that revealed Andrews had written a bail bond in the amount of $1,000 and accepted $500 as collateral, which violated her conditional license agreement. The bail bond was issued on behalf of a company to which she was not appointed, and she did not return the collateral after the bond was exonerated.
Additionally, Andrews failed to keep her business address current with the Department, and failed to respond to the Department's written notification of a complaint, both of which violate North Dakota law.
"Ms. Andrews' actions are unacceptable and revoking her license guarantees that she will no longer be working with North Dakota's insurance consumers," Hamm said.
Andrews signed the revocation order, waiving her right to a hearing.
Consumers with questions about bail bonds through Andrews are encouraged to call the North Dakota Insurance Department at 1-800-247-0560.
