Fake coverage left recreational soccer leagues and school district exposed

“Consumers trust their insurance agents will properly process their premium payments and obtain insurance for protection from financial harm.  The California Department of Insurance employs investigators and detectives to identify those agents who steal from clients.  Following any investigation and arrests, they then work with local district attorneys to assist with prosecutions.”

CSLEA President Alan Barcelona

VENTURA — On March 2, 2026, the California Department of Insurance (CDI) announced that licensed insurance agent Gonzalo Lorona, 58, of Oxnard, has been charged with 37 felony counts, including insurance fraud and grand theft, after a CDI investigation found he allegedly stole client premium payments and issued fraudulent insurance certificates leaving organizations uninsured and at financial risk.

The investigation began after a soccer player died following a fight during a game. The Ventura County School District discovered the certificate provided by the local soccer league was fake and the policy listed on the certificate, which was issued by Lorona’s agency, did not exist. The district requires leagues to carry insurance before using school fields.

Investigators identified 13 fraudulent insurance certificates and found that from 2018 to 2024, Lorona allegedly stole more than $10,000 from five soccer league owners who believed they had valid coverage. Instead of purchasing policies, Lorona allegedly kept the cash and issued fake certificates, leaving leagues uninsured and exposing the school district to financial risk.

CDI has initiated action against Lorona’s insurance license. This case is being prosecuted by the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office.