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Last updated on Wednesday, April 6, 2016
(INDIANAPOLIS) - On March 31, Indiana Department of Insurance Commissioner Stephen W. Robertson ordered that Jamar Weathersbe must cease and desist from all activity as a licensed bail agent and recovery agent, or violate in any way the insurance laws of Indiana.
Under Indiana Code 4-21.5-4-4, Weathersbe was notified of his right to a hearing concerning this order.
The Enforcement Division of the Indiana Department of Insurance (IDOI) petitioned for an emergency order against Weathersbe after receiving a call from the Monrovia Police Department on March 29, 2016, stating they had arrested Weathersbe on March 26, 2016, for impersonating a police officer. The Probable Cause Affidavit states that Weathersbe is alleged to have attempted to pull over a resident of Monrovia, Indiana using lights and sirens on his car and stating that he was a police officer. He also stated to the officer that he was a "bounty hunter".
The term "bounty hunter" most commonly refers to someone acting as a bail agent as defined by Indiana Code 27-10-1-4, or as a recovery agent, as defined by Indiana Code 27-10-1-9. Indiana Code 27-10-3-1(a) states that a person may not act in the capacity of bail agent or recovery agent or perform duties described by those without a license. Weathersbe has never been licensed by the IDOI in any capacity, including as a bail agent or recovery agent.
The IDOI commissioner may, under Indiana Code 4-21.5-4-2(a)(1), in an emergency, issue orders without notice or an evidentiary proceeding. An emergency existed in that Weathersbe was acting in the capacity of a bail agent or recovery agent without the required license and was endangering the public by attempting to use a bail agent's or recovery agent's power of arrest without the authority to do so.
About the Indiana Department of Insurance
The Indiana Department of Insurance protects Indiana's insurance consumers by monitoring and regulating the financial strengths and market conduct activities of insurance companies and agents. The department monitors insurance companies and agents for compliance with state laws to protect consumers and to offer them the best array of insurance products available. The department also assists Hoosiers with insurance questions and provides guidance in understanding how insurance policies work.
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