Montana Plumber Sentenced for Insurance Fraud to Begin House Arrest

Dennis Hurlbert, the owner of Belgrade Plumbing and Heating, has been sentenced to five years in prison, with the sentence suspended, following his conviction for criminal insurance fraud. Hurlbert’s fraudulent activity was uncovered by a comprehensive investigation led by the Commissioner of Securities and Insurance (CSI) in Helena, Montana. In January 2022, Hurlbert presented a falsified Certificate of Liability Insurance to a potential employer, falsely indicating he had valid general liability, automobile liability, and workers’ compensation insurance. The fraud was confirmed by the Bozeman insurance agency listed on the fake certificate.

On May 16, 2024, Judge Andrew Breuner of Montana’s 18th Judicial District accepted the sentencing recommendation from Commissioner Troy Downing, resulting in a suspended five-year prison term. Instead, Hurlbert will undergo formal probation for five years under stringent conditions. Additionally, Judge Breuner mandated a 30-day period of house arrest, starting May 24, 2024, to be enforced through electronic monitoring.

Commissioner Downing praised the collaborative efforts of all involved parties and reiterated the serious nature of insurance fraud, emphasizing the importance of stringent enforcement to deter such crimes.

The Montana State Auditor, Commissioner of Securities and Insurance, serves as the regulator for the insurance and securities industries in Montana. Commissioner Downing, elected in 2020, also holds an ex officio position on the Montana Board of Land Commissioners.