FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Helena, Montana – A CSI investigation revealed that in January 2022, Mr. Dennis Hurlbert, owner of Belgrade Plumbing and Heating, presented a Certificate of Liability Insurance to a would-be employer. The certificate indicated Mr. Hurlbert had effective general liability, automobile liability, and workers’ compensation insurance. The certificate was a falsified document, confirmed by the Bozeman insurance agency listed as the issuer on the fake certificate.
Mr. Hurlbert was convicted upon his guilty plea to the felony offense of Criminal Insurance Fraud. On May 16, 2024, accepting the sentencing recommendation of Commissioner Downing, Judge Andrew Breuner, Montana 18th Judicial District, sentenced Mr. Hurlbert to a five-year term at the Montana State Prison. The prison sentence was suspended with the condition that Mr. Hurlbert would submit to formal probation for five years with numerous terms and conditions.
Judge Breuner also accepted Commissioner Downing’s recommendation that Mr. Hurlbert must begin a 30-day term of house arrest assured by electronic monitoring on Friday, May 24, 2024.
Commissioner Downing applauds the efforts by all parties involved and reminds the public that insurance fraud of any kind is a serious crime taken very seriously by the CSI.
Click here to view the sentencing order.
Media inquiries: Laura Shirtliff 406.444.0903 or laura.shirtliff@mt.gov.
The Montana State Auditor, Commissioner of Securities and Insurance is the state regulator of the insurance and securities industries for the state of Montana. The State Auditor is also an ex officio member of the Montana Board of Land Commissioners. Troy Downing was elected State Auditor in 2020. CSI can be found online at: csimt.gov.
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