MEIGS — A Thomas County Insurance Agent, Yancey Howell, 42, has been arrested on charges of defrauding customers.

According to reports from WCTV, Howell would allow people to buy policies and make payments to him.  He would then cash those checks, never paying the policy premiums on behalf of the clients.

WCTV interviewed one of the victims, Angeline Brown, 86 of Meigs.  Brown has lived in her home for more than three decades. Brown explained that she always made sure her home was properly insured. However, 10 months ago, she switched insurance companies, and that’s when the trouble began.

“I never thought you would have ever done me like this. I didn’t miss a month or a payment I was at my word and you should have been at yours,” said Brown.

According to the report, the investigation began in April after a woman became suspicious about a policy she purchased. That investigation revealed the agent running the business, Howell, was taking checks and then cashing them. That has left many without insurance and without their money.

“He accepted the money, but I didn’t have any insurance. If the house would have burned down, I wouldn’t have had a dime of insurance on it,” Brown said.

Brown is now out of $1,000 and she still doesn’t have home insurance. The Thomas County Sheriff’s Office said Brown is one of eight known victims. All in all, Howell stole nearly $10,000. He also had to surrender his insurance licenses to the state of Georgia.

The Thomas County Sheriff’s Office is still investigating the case. They believe there are more victims out there. If you think you may have been a victim you can call them at 229-225-3300.