Public Adjuster Arrested for nearly $600,000 in Insurance Fraud

In August of 2022, Louisiana State Police Insurance Fraud/Auto Theft Unit New Orleans Field Office (LSP-IFAT-NFO) began receiving information from the Louisiana Department of Insurance (LDI) pertaining to allegations of misconduct by Mitchell Adjusting International LLC (MAI), a Louisiana licensed public adjuster firm based out of Texas. The information received alleged that MAI fraudulently obtained monies while doing insurance business related to property damages as a result of Hurricane Ida. 

During the investigation, 43-year-old Andrew Mitchell of Clear Lake Shores, Texas, was determined to be the owner of MAI. The investigation revealed that during the aftermath of Hurricane Ida, Mitchell began soliciting victims of property damage throughout various parishes in Louisiana. After obtaining a greater settlement, Mitchell deposited the funds and failed to provide the monies to the homeowner. In multiple situations, Mitchell forged the homeowner’s signature to obtain the funds. 

To date, seven victims have been identified in four parishes, totaling settlement claims over $592,000.

As a result of the investigation, detectives obtained arrest warrants for Mitchell in St. Charles, St. John the Baptist, Orleans and Tangipahoa parishes. On January 12, 2023, Mitchell was booked into the Nelson Coleman Correctional Center in St. Charles Parish for Theft (2 counts).

Additionally, Mitchell will be booked into the St. John Parish Correctional Facility for Theft (3 counts) and Forgery (3 counts); Orleans Parish Prison for Theft (1 count) and Forgery (1 count); Tangipahoa Parish Correctional Facility for Theft (1 count) and Forgery (1 count).

The LSP-IFAT-NFO is continuing to investigate additional allegations of fraud committed against Mitchell Adjusting International LLC. Louisiana State Police is asking the public to contact LSP-IFAT-NFO with any information related to this scheme as well as any other insurance fraud related matters. Citizens can report suspected fraud to the LSP-IFAT via: lsp.insurance.fraud.unit@la.gov.