Police Say Insurance Agent Scammed Seniors

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) _ An insurance agent who authorities say scammed senior citizens of more than $2 million has been charged with grand theft.

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater announced the arrest Wednesday of 49-year-old Neal Seth Smalbach of Palm Harbor.

Smalbach was booked into the Pinellas County Jail after his arrest Tuesday.

Bond was set at $250,000 bond. It’s not known if he has an attorney.

If convicted, Smalbach faces up to 54 years in prison.

Jail records show he was arrested last year on a charge of organized fraud insurance.

Investigators say Smalbach misrepresented the factual details of investment products to multiple senior citizens for personal gain.

Almost $5 million was invested by seniors in products that were unsuitable for them.

Smalbach is also accused of falsifying two applications for insurance.