Jefferson City, Mo. - The St. Louis County Board of Police Commissioners has awarded a commendation to an investigator at the Missouri Department of Insurance for his efforts in uncovering a widespread insurance fraud operation against consumers in St. Louis.

After receiving numerous complaints against St. Louis insurance agent Wendi Glass, Investigator Dennis Fitzpatrick discovered that Glass may have collected homeowners and auto insurance premiums from consumers, but never submitted the money to an insurance company.

The Department of Insurance revoked the license of Glass and her company, VMG Inc., in 2011. Fitzpatrick received reports that Glass continued selling insurance without a license in 2012, and turned evidence over to the St. Louis County Police Department. County police launched their own investigation, which led to Glass' arrest on felony charges for forgery, theft and insurance fraud.

"Consumers must be protected in cases like this, but harsh penalties for violators are only possible with a committed effort from law enforcement agencies," said John M. Huff, director of the Missouri Department of Insurance. "Along with Dennis Fitzpatrick, the St. Louis County Police Department and the St. Louis County Prosecutor's office deserve tremendous credit for their work in this case."

The Department of Insurance issued a consumer alert in May 2012 urging St. Louis-area consumers to review their insurance paperwork if they did business with Glass or VMG.

In its commendation of Fitzpatrick, the Board of Police Commissioners said, "Your efforts to support the investigators of the St. Louis County Police Department speak highly upon your work ethic, dedication and knowledge in your area of expertise. You are a credit to your agency, the Missouri Department of Insurance, Financial Institutions and Professional Registration, and an asset to the citizens of the State of Missouri."

Huff says consumers who did business with Glass may still face the threat of being without insurance coverage, despite their payment. Consumers with questions can call the department's Insurance Consumer Hotline at 800-726-7390 or visit insurance.mo.gov.