Arrested: Adjuster Kept Hurricane Ida Claims Payouts

Louisiana State Police arrested an insurance adjuster Thursday on charges of pocketing more than $592,000 that he obtained on behalf of seven Hurricane Ida victims in Orleans, St. Charles, St. John the Baptist and Tangipahoa parishes.

Police said the state Insurance Department tipped them in August to misconduct by Andrew Mitchell, 43, whose Mitchell Adjusting International LLC is a licensed public adjuster in Louisiana. Property owners hire public adjusters to negotiate claims with insurers.

"The investigation revealed that during the aftermath of Hurricane Ida, Mitchell began soliciting victims of property damage throughout various parishes in Louisiana," State Police said.

"After obtaining a greater settlement, Mitchell deposited the funds and failed to provide the monies to the homeowner. In multiple situations, Mitchell forged the homeowner’s signature to obtain the funds."