Commissioner Downing Applauds Another Successful CSI Prosecution Helena, Mont.- Former Billings insurance agent Jessica Siegel pleaded guilty in Montana’s 13th District Court to criminal insurance fraud. Siegel was ordered to pay more than $86,000 in restitution, serve a six-year deferred sentence, and complete 200 hours of community service. The prosecution of Ms. Siegel is the … Read more
Helena, Mont.- Wildfire season is real and is now. It is threatening homes, businesses, and property. Insurance Commissioner Troy Downing advises Montanans to be prepared for loss due to wildfire and to take steps now to mitigate risk and protect their property. Before a Wildfire: Ensure there is defensible space around your property by trimming or … Read more
Downing Promises Aggressive Enforcement Helena, Mont.- State Auditor and Commissioner of Securities and Insurance Troy Downing put insurance companies on notice that CSI will aggressively pursue insurance companies that deny coverage in low-risk fire areas. An Advisory Memorandum sent to companies on August 14 states that any refusal to renew or issue policies based on wildfire … Read more
The whirlwind five-day, 12-stop tour of eastern Montana, just got better as Commissioner Downing announced two Coffee with the Commissioner events in Miles City and Sidney. As the Montana Securities Commissioner, Downing’s top priority is stopping financial exploitation in our state. The Protecting the Big Sky Tour will educate Montanans about costly scams affecting families … Read more
Helena, Mont.-Today, Commissioner Troy Downing announced that District Court Judge Leslie Halligan has ordered Western Title and Escrow (WTE) into liquidation. The order follows a 2022 ruling that placed the company, owned by Julie Leary, into receivership. Any person or company who believes they may have a claim against WTE or Julie Leary as the … Read more
163 Montanans Invested Over $3 Million Helena, Mont.- State Auditor and Securities Commissioner Troy Downing announced today that investors who purchased retail precious metals from Lear Capital are eligible for compensation as a part of Lear’s bankruptcy plan. Montana and other state regulators investigated Lear for deceptive securities and commodities activities and misleading marketing at the … Read more
12 Stops Through Eastern Montana August 21-25 Helena, Mont.- On August 21, Commissioner Troy Downing kicks off the Protecting the Big Sky educational tour in eastern Montana to educate investors, Montana families, seniors, and consumers on safeguarding their finances. The Commissioner and CSI staff are hosting 12 events across eastern Montana over five days. These educational … Read more
Rosebud County Insurance and Hagadone’s License Revoked Helena, Mont.-On July 12, 2023, Commissioner Troy Downing secured an Order of Final Injunction permanently barring Kileen Hagadone and her business, Rosebud County Insurance, Inc. (RCII), from conducting any type of insurance business in Montana. The Order of Final Injunction further prohibits Hagadone and RCII from any banking … Read more
Helena, Mont.-Today, State Auditor and Securities Commissioner Troy Downing announced a $13 million settlement with Raymond James & Associates, Inc. and Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., resulting from an investigation into the company’s practices of charging unreasonable commissions to retail customers on small-dollar transactions. The multi-state investigation, spearheaded by the Montana Commissioner of Securities and … Read more
Helena, Mont.- In recognition of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) on June 15, Commissioner Troy Downing reminds Montanans to be vigilant of investment scams targeting seniors. The Commissioner of Securities and Insurance is charged with protecting Montana investors from financial scams – the majority of these are perpetrated against our senior population. “Nearly every senior … Read more