Williams Released on Bond in Insurance Fraud Case
James Travis Williams, former owner of Tri-County Insurance in Royston is charged with 15 counts of fraud.
A former Royston insurance agent, accused of multiple counts of fraud, is out on bond.
Franklin County Sheriff Stevie Thomas said 34-year old James Travis Williams was released from the Franklin County Detention Center Thursday.
“Williams was charged with 15 counts of insurance fraud and two counts of forgery 4th degree, said Thomas. “Bond was set at $77,000. Bond was posted at noon on Thursday.”
Williams allegedly defrauded clients out of at least $35,000 in insurance premiums while he owned Tri-County Insurers in Royston.
Authorities say the first complaint to the State Insurance Commissioners office came last year when a woman alleged Williams sold her elderly mother an annuity.
Insurance and Fire Safety Commissioner Ralph Hudgens said his office met with Williams and gave him a warning, but other complaints followed and the Commission’s Fraud Unit began a full blown investigation of Williams in August of last year.
In October 2013, Williams voluntarily surrendered his license.
The alleged victims live in numerous cities, including Atlanta, Commerce, Danielsville, Comer and Hartwell, Georgia Department of Insurance spokesman Glenn Allen said.
Investigators expect there could be other victims. Anyone who suspects that they were defrauded is asked to contact the Insurance Commission at (800) 656-2298.