Accused Insurance Agent Faces Multiple Charges in California Court
In the world of insurance, trust is paramount. However, in California, a series of shocking allegations have surfaced against Matthew Evans, a former insurance agent from Palmdale. Evans is accused of deceiving several clients and acquaintances into investing over $1.8 million in a non-existent marijuana business named "House of Green."
The California Department of Insurance (CDI) initiated an investigation after receiving a complaint from two victims who claimed they had invested a total of $1.3 million in House of Green without seeing any return on their investment. The investigation identified a total of 15 victims who were allegedly defrauded by Evans[1][2].
Evans was arraigned on July 30, 2025, and pleaded not guilty to multiple felony charges involving fraud. His insurance agent license was revoked earlier in the year after he pleaded no contest in an unrelated case investigated by the CDI in 2024[2]. In this case, Evans and his wife were accused of stealing the identities of licensed insurance agents and using them on fraudulent insurance applications to collect undeserved commissions[4].
The legal proceedings against Evans are ongoing. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for September 15, 2025. The case is being prosecuted by the White Collar Crime Division of the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office[2].
While the case against Evans continues, the CDI reminds consumers to verify they are working with a licensed agent and/or licensed business by visiting http://www.insurance.ca.gov/0200-industry/0008-check-license-status/. Victims who suspect they have been defrauded are encouraged to file a complaint with the California Department of Insurance.
Meanwhile, another insurance professional, Karen Marie Dondanville from Mission Viejo, has also found herself in hot water. Dondanville pleaded guilty to 90 counts including grand theft, insurance fraud, financial elder abuse, and forgery for collecting premiums and failing to place insurance coverage for her customers, resulting in $183,047 stolen[3].
In a separate case, John Ryan, an insurance agent from Palm Springs, was arrested on multiple charges of elder abuse, grand theft, and identity theft by the California Department of Insurance[5]. His alleged victims included Gregg Juarez, a prominent individual.
Lastly, David Lance Hall, a formerly licensed insurance agent from Bakersfield, was arraigned on six felony counts of theft and misappropriation of fiduciary funds for allegedly stealing money from his clients that was meant to pay their insurance premiums[6].
As these cases demonstrate, it's crucial for consumers to be vigilant and verify the legitimacy of their insurance agents and businesses. The CDI encourages anyone who suspects fraud to report it to ensure the integrity of the insurance profession.
- Despite the ongoing legal proceedings against Matthew Evans, another insurance professional, Karen Marie Dondanville, has also been accused of financial misconduct, including grand theft, insurance fraud, and forgery.
- The recent events involving insurance professionals such as Evans, Dondanville, Ryan, and Hall underscore the need for consumers to verify the legitimacy of their insurance agents and businesses to protect themselves from potential fraud, as advised by the California Department of Insurance.
