A New Bedford couple has been arrested on charges of wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud related to their insurance business, BL Insurance Brokerage, LLC. Brendan Lawler, 58, and Lisa Lawler, 45, are accused of defrauding clients out of more than $700,000 by collecting payments for insurance coverage but failing to forward those payments to the appropriate insurance providers.
Federal prosecutors allege that between March 2023 and March 2024, the Lawlers solicited and accepted insurance payments from clients but used the funds for personal expenses instead of paying insurers. Authorities say the couple concealed their actions by using new client payments to cover outstanding balances owed to other clients’ insurers. They also allegedly provided some clients with documents indicating they were insured when in fact no such coverage existed.
The alleged scheme affected at least 50 individuals or insurance providers. Both defendants are scheduled to appear in federal court in Boston.
If convicted, each charge carries a potential sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine that could reach $250,000 or twice the loss amount. Sentencing decisions will be made by a federal district court judge according to applicable guidelines and statutes.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley stated: “United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts Division of Insurance and Insurance Fraud Bureau. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan Cleary of the Criminal Division is prosecuting the case.”
Officials emphasized that these are allegations and both defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
