Florida authorities have arrested a well-known southwest Florida insurance agent, Reid McDaniel, on charges of larceny and embezzlement of premiums. McDaniel, who was named the honorary mayor of North Fort Myers last year, is facing serious allegations that have rocked the local community.
According to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, McDaniel was booked into jail on Thursday and had not posted bond by late Thursday. The charges against him stem from a complaint filed by a business owner who alleged that McDaniel Insurance Solutions had embezzled over $20,000 in premiums for insurance policies that were later canceled for non-payment.
The Florida Department of Financial Services confirmed the charges and stated that McDaniel held multiple insurance licenses, including general lines/property and casualty, life and health, and adjuster licenses. He was appointed with 38 national and Florida-admitted property insurance carriers, making him a prominent figure in the industry.
Despite his professional success, McDaniel’s reputation took a hit when a negligence lawsuit was filed against him by an elderly policyholder who had paid premiums for a mobile home policy that was never secured. The policyholder won a judgment of $198,543 in Lee County Circuit Court after her home was destroyed by a hurricane and she discovered she had no coverage.
In addition to the negligence lawsuit, McDaniel also faced a sexual assault complaint from a former employee who alleged that he had inappropriately touched and groped her. The case is still pending, adding to the mounting legal troubles facing McDaniel.
McDaniel’s rise to prominence in the community was swift, as he was named the honorary mayor of North Fort Myers after raising funds for the local Chamber. However, his sudden fall from grace has left many in shock, with his office space being taken over by a neighboring business and his insurance agency sign being dismantled.
McDaniel’s past in the hotel business and his previous experience in starting an insurance agency in Indiana raise questions about his business practices and ethics. The fact that he is still licensed in Indiana as a non-resident producer adds another layer of complexity to the case.
As the legal proceedings unfold and more details emerge, the community is left grappling with the implications of McDaniel’s alleged actions. The impact of his arrest on the insurance industry and the trust of policyholders remains to be seen, but one thing is clear – the downfall of a once-prominent figure serves as a cautionary tale for those in positions of power and influence.