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Georgia Insurance Commissioner Jim Beck indicted in million-dollar fraud scheme
Jim Beck
Republican state insurance commissioner nominee Jim Beck speaks during a Brian Kemp visit at Longstreet Cafe on Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2018. - photo by Austin Steele

State insurance commissioner Jim Beck has been indicted by a federal grand jury, charged with a long list of crimes, including fraud and money laundering.

The indictment, filed Tuesday, May 14, alleges a wide-ranging scheme conducted through several companies and the Georgia Christian Coalition, including fraudulent billing and the sale of false sponsorships. The proceeds — in excess of $2 million — were used to pay for personal credit card bills, income tax bills and even to fund Beck’s election campaign, according to the indictment.

Beck, a Republican from Carrollton, was elected insurance commissioner in 2018. In all, he faces 38 counts, including wire fraud, mail fraud and money laundering.

The charges stem from Beck’s time as general manager of operations for the Georgia Underwriting Association, which was created to provide high-risk property insurance to Georgia homeowners. Beck is accused of devising a scheme to defraud the association of millions of dollars.

Bill Thomas, a lawyer for Beck, said in an emailed statement that Beck “strongly denies” the allegations.

“He acted legally and in good faith,” Thomas wrote, adding that Beck “looks forward to clearing his good name.”

Thomas also noted that the allegations do not relate to Beck’s work as insurance commissioner and that he looks forward to continuing that work.

Under Georgia law, Beck may now choose to remain in office, voluntarily resign or ask to be suspended while under indictment. If he remains in office, after a 14-day period, which may be extended by the governor, the governor must appoint a review commission, which then has 14 days to determine if “the indictment relates to and adversely affects the administration of the office of the indicted public official and that the rights and interests of the public are adversely affected thereby,” according to the Official Code of Georgia. 

The commission can then recommend that Beck be suspended from office. 

“If, and only if, the commission recommends suspension, then the Governor shall review the findings and recommendations of the commission and may suspend the public officer from office immediately and without further action pending the final disposition of the case or until the expiration of his term of office, whichever occurs first,” according to the Official Code of Georgia.

Beck would immediately be removed from office upon a conviction.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.