A former Ohio insurance agent was sentenced this month to five years of probation for thefts exceeding $1.4 million.
Rhonda Chandler, of the Columbus area, stole and misappropriated funds, including premiums for pre-need life insurance policies, commonly known as burial or funeral insurance, according to an investigation by the Ohio Department of Insurance.
The misused funds were intended to cover funeral expenses and settle trust claims after funeral services were provided, but Chandler diverted the money for personal and business use, impacting 14 Ohio funeral homes serving their customers’ financial needs, ODI said. The insurer that issued the policies has fully reimbursed the affected funeral homes, and restitution will be directed to the insurer…