ADEL — A Cook County insurance agent was arrested on Friday with charges related to the misappropriating of insurance premiums. Cory Bromlow Insurance and Financial Services sub-agent, 47-year-old, Teresita D. Heard was arrested and charged with seven counts of insurance fraud, one count of forgery in the first-degree, one count of forgery in the third-degree and 18 counts of theft by taking.

Between 2010 and 2014 Heard stole premiums for personal and commercial insurance from her clients. Heard was supposed to forward the money to the insurance company for coverage, but was keeping it for her own personal gain.

Heard embezzled more than $4,000 at her previous company, Tracie Hart Insurance and Financial Services in Adel.

Insurance Commissioner, Ralph Hudgens led the investigation and asks that those who conducted insurance transactions with Heard contact their insurance company to ensure they have proper coverage, or contact the Commissioner’s Consumer Services Division at 1-800-656-2298.

Heard has already been released from Cook County Jail on bond. Heard could be facing felony charges, a penalty of 2-10 years in prison, and/or a fine of up to $10,000.