Petitioner: DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE
Respondent: ROBERT CHARLES TAYLOR
Judges: SUSAN BELYEU KIRKLAND
Agency: Department of Financial Services
Locations: St. Petersburg, Florida
Filed: Apr. 08, 2002
Status: Closed
Settled and/or Dismissed prior to entry of RO/FO on Friday, June 14, 2002.
Latest Update: Dec. 23, 2024
FILED
THE TREASURER OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA MAR 22 2000
DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE
Tom GALLAGHER Treasurer and
Insurance Commissioner
Docketed by: é Lt
IN THE MATTER OF:
ROBERT CHARLES TAYLOR CASE NO: 33609-02-AG
/
02-142 b PL
ADMINISTRATIVE COMPLAINT
TO: ROBERT CHARLES TAYLOR oC
533 Lillian Drive oe
Madeira Beach, Florida 33708 :
ROBERT CHARLES TAYLOR
2727 Ulmerton Rd Ste 3A :
Clearwater, FL 34622-3366 ‘
You, ROBERT CHARLES TAYLOR, are hereby notified that pursuant to Chapter 626,
Florida Statutes, the Insurance Commissioner of the State of Florida, has caused to be made an
investigation of your activities while licensed an insurance agent in this state as a result of which
it is alleged that:
GENERAL ALLEGATIONS
1. You, ROBERT CHARLES TAYLOR, are currently licensed in this state as a life
and variable annuity contracts salesman, life, health and annuity contracts salesman, life
insurance agent, life and health insurance agent, and health insurance agent.
2. At all times pertinent to the dates and occurrences referred to herein this
Administrative Complaint, you, ROBERT CHARLES TAYLOR, were licensed in this state as
an insurance agent.
COUNT I
3. Paragraphs one and two are realleged and incorporated herein by reference.
4, On or about October 13, 1998, you, ROBERT CHARLES TAYLOR, visited the
home of Elizabeth E. Dunsizer of St. Petersburg, Florida and solicited Mrs. Dunsizer to invest
$65,500.00 of her personal retirement savings, by purchasing 13 shares of stock in a preferred
stock issued by Palm Beach Investment Group, Inc. a Florida corporation.
5 You, ROBERT CHARLES TAYLOR, represented that the Palm Beach
Investment Group, Inc., shares would have a guaranteed 11% annual return the first year and
were insured by both the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and Great American
Insurance Company, through a financial guarantee bond. No return has been received to date
and the stock shares are not and never were insured by either the FDIC or Great American
Insurance Company. Your representations were false and a material misstatement of fact.
Elizabeth E. Dunsizer would not have purchased the stock shares, but for these representations.
You, ROBERT CHARLES TAYLOR, were aware of these facts.
6. You, ROBERT CHARLES TAYLOR, represented to Elizabeth Dunsizer that the
Palm Beach Investment Group shares complied with all Florida and Federal Securities laws and
regulations. This representation was false and a material misstatement of fact. In fact, Palm
Beach Investment Group, Inc., was not and never has been registered to sell securities in this
state nor was it’s preferred stock registered for sale in this state or exempt from such registration,
all in violation of sections 517.051, 517.061, and 517.07, Florida Statutes. You, ROBERT
CHARLES TAYLOR, were not registered in this state to sell securities, in violation of Section
517.12, Florida Statutes. You, ROBERT CHARLES TAYLOR, were aware of these facts.
7. You, ROBERT CHARLES TAYLOR, failed to inform Elizabeth Dunsizer that
you were not licensed to sell securities, that the Palm Beach Investment Group shares were
unregistered, were speculative and involved a very high degree of risk and should not be
purchased by anyone who could not afford the loss of his or her entire investment. Elizabeth
Dunsizer would not have purchased the shares if they had been made aware of these facts.
8. The Palm Beach Investment Group shares were not an appropriate investment for
individuals of Mrs. Dunsizer’s age, financial circumstances and investment experience. These
transactions were neither necessary nor in the purchaser’s best interest. You, ROBERT
CHARLES TAYLOR were aware or should have been aware of these facts.
9. You, ROBERT CHARLES TAYLOR, sold the Palm Beach Investment Group
shares for the sole purpose of receiving a commission, which you did receive.
10. Palm Beach Investment Group, Inc., in a stipulated settlement agreement and
consent order dated October 19, 1999, was ordered by the Florida Department of Banking and
Finance to cease and desist from soliciting further stock subscriptions. The stock shares
purchased by Elizabeth Dunsizer are now worthless, and there is no likelihood that the
investment or any part thereof will be recovered. Asa result, she has suffered a significant
financial loss.
IT IS THEREFORE CHARGED that you, ROBERT CHARLES TAYLOR, have
violated or are accountable under the following provisions of the Florida Insurance Code and
Rules of the State Treasurer and Insurance Commissioner which constitute grounds for the
suspension or revocation of your license(s) and eligibility for licensure:
(a) Demonstrated lack of fitness or trustworthiness to engage in the business of
insurance. [Section 626.611(7), Florida Statutes]
(b) Fraudulent or dishonest practices in the conduct of business under the license or
permit. [Section 626.611(9), Florida Statutes]
(c) Willful failure to comply with, or willful violation of any proper order or rule of the
department or willful violation of any provision of this code. [Section 626.611(13), Florida
Statutes]
(d) Violation of any provision of this code or of any other law applicable to the business
of insurance in the course of dealing under the license or permit. [Section 626.621(2), Florida
Statutes]
(e) Violation of any lawful order or rule of the Department. (Section 626.621(3),
Florida Statutes]
(f) In the conduct of business under the license or permit, engaging in unfair
methods of competition or in unfair or deceptive acts or practices, as prohibited under part X of
this chapter., or having otherwise shown himself to be a source of injury or loss to the public.
[Section 626.621 (6), Florida Statutes]
(g) Knowingly:
a. Filing with any supervisory or other public official,
b. Making, publishing, disseminating, circulating,
c. Delivering to any person,
d. Placing before the public,
e. Causing, directly or indirectly, to be made, published, disseminated, circulated,
delivered to any person, or placed before the public, any false material statement. [Section
626.9541(1)(e)1, Florida Statutes]
COUNT II
11. Paragraphs one and two are realleged and incorporated herein by reference.
12. On or about March 25, 1999, you, ROBERT CHARLES TAYLOR, visited the
home of Helen Norris of Bradenton, Florida and solicited Mrs. Norris to invest $35,000.00 of her
personal retirement savings, by purchasing 35 shares of stock in a preferred stock issued by Palm
Beach Investment Group, Inc. a Florida corporation.
13. You, ROBERT CHARLES TAYLOR, represented that the Palm Beach
Investment Group, Inc., shares would have a guaranteed 11% annual return the first year and
were insured by both the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and Great American
Insurance Company, through a financial guarantee bond. No return has been received to date
and the stock shares are not and never were insured by either the FDIC or Great American
Insurance Company. Your representations were false and a material misstatement of fact.
Helen Norris would not have purchased the stock shares, but for these representations. You,
ROBERT CHARLES TAYLOR, were aware of these facts.
14, You, ROBERT CHARLES TAYLOR, represented to Helen Norris that the Palm
Beach Investment Group shares complied with all Florida and Federal Securities laws and
regulations. This representation was false and a material misstatement of fact. In fact, Palm
Beach Investment Group, Inc., was not and never has been registered to sell securities in this
state nor was it’s preferred stock registered for sale in this state or exempt from such registration,
all in violation of sections 517.051, 517.061, and 517.07, Florida Statutes. You, ROBERT
CHARLES TAYLOR, were not registered in this state to sell securities, in violation of Section
517.12, Florida Statutes. You, ROBERT CHARLES TAYLOR, were aware of these facts.
15. You, ROBERT CHARLES TAYLOR, failed to inform Helen Norris that you
were not licensed to sell securities, that the Palm Beach Investment Group shares were
unregistered, were speculative and involved a very high degree of risk and should not be
purchased by anyone who could not afford the loss of his or her entire investment. Elizabeth
Dunsizer would not have purchased the shares if she had been made aware of these facts.
16. The Palm Beach Investment Group shares were not an appropriate investment for
individuals of Helen Norris’ age, financial circumstances and investment experience. These
transactions were neither necessary nor in the purchaser’s best interest. You, ROBERT
CHARLES TAYLOR were aware or should have been aware of these facts.
17. You, ROBERT CHARLES TAYLOR, sold the Palm Beach Investment Group
shares for the sole purpose of receiving a commission, which you did receive.
18. Palm Beach Investment Group, Inc., in a stipulated settlement agreement and
consent order dated October 19, 1999, was ordered by the Florida Department of Banking and
Finance to cease and desist from soliciting further stock subscriptions. The stock shares
purchased by Helen Norris are now worthless, and there is no likelihood that the investment or
any part thereof will be recovered. As a result, she has suffered a significant financial loss.
IT IS THEREFORE CHARGED that you, ROBERT CHARLES TAYLOR, have
violated or are accountable under the following provisions of the Florida Insurance Code and
Rules of the State Treasurer and Insurance Commissioner which constitute grounds for the
suspension or revocation of your license(s) and eligibility for licensure: Sections 626.61 1(7);
626.611(9); 626.611(13); 626.621(2);, 626.621(3); 626.621 (6), and 626.9541(1)(e)1, Florida
Statutes as more particularly alleged above.
COUNT Il
19. Paragraphs one and two are realleged and incorporated herein by reference.
20. On or about February 3, 1999, you, ROBERT CHARLES TAYLOR, visited the
home of Ronald and Marj Ekberg of Largo, Florida and solicited Mr. and Mrs. Ekberg to invest
$10,000.00 of their personal retirement savings, by purchasing 2 shares of stock in a preferred
stock issued by Palm Beach Investment Group, Inc. a Florida corporation.
22. You, ROBERT CHARLES TAYLOR, represented that the Palm Beach
Investment Group, Inc., shares would have a guaranteed 11% annual return the first year and
were insured by both the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and Great American
Insurance Company, through a financial guarantee bond. No return has been received to date
and the stock shares are not and never were insured by either the FDIC or Great American
Insurance Company. Your representations were false and a material misstatement of fact. Mr.
and Mrs. Ekberg would not have purchased the stock shares, but for these representations. You,
ROBERT CHARLES TAYLOR, were aware of these facts.
23. You, ROBERT CHARLES TAYLOR, represented to Mr. and Mrs. Ekberg that
the Palm Beach Investment Group shares complied with all Florida and Federal Securities laws
and regulations. This representation was false and a material misstatement of fact. In fact, Palm
Beach Investment Group, Inc., was not and never has been registered to sell securities in this
state nor was it’s preferred stock registered for sale in this state or exempt from such registration,
all in violation of sections 517.051, 517.061, and 517.07, Florida Statutes. You, ROBERT
CHARLES TAYLOR, were not registered in this state to sell securities, in violation of Section
517.12, Florida Statutes. You, ROBERT CHARLES TAYLOR, were aware of these facts.
24, You, ROBERT CHARLES TAYLOR, failed to inform Mr. and Mrs. Ekberg that
you were not licensed to sell securities, that the Palm Beach Investment Group shares were
unregistered, were speculative and involved a very high degree of risk and should not be
purchased by anyone who could not afford the loss of his or her entire investment. Mr. and Mrs.
Ekberg would not have purchased the shares if they had been made aware of these facts.
25. The Palm Beach Investment Group shares were not an appropriate investment for
individuals of Mr. and Mrs. Ekberg’s age, financial circumstances and investment experience.
These transactions were neither necessary nor in the purchaser’s best interest. You, ROBERT
CHARLES TAYLOR were aware or should have been aware of these facts.
26. You, ROBERT CHARLES TAYLOR, sold the Palm Beach Investment Group
shares for the sole purpose of receiving a commission, which you did receive.
27. | Palm Beach Investment Group, Inc., in a stipulated settlement agreement and
consent order dated October 19, 1999, was ordered by the Florida Department of Banking and
Finance to cease and desist from soliciting further stock subscriptions. The stock shares
purchased by Ronald and Marj Ekberg are now worthless, and there is no likelihood that the
investment or any part thereof will be recovered. As a result, they have suffered a significant
financial loss. .
IT IS THEREFORE CHARGED that you, ROBERT CHARLES TAYLOR, have
violated or are accountable under the following provisions of the Florida Insurance Code and
Rules of the State Treasurer and Insurance Commissioner which constitute grounds for the
suspension or revocation of your license(s) and eligibility for licensure: Sections 626.61 1(7);
626.611(9); 626.611(13); 626.621(2); 626.621(3); 626.621(6); and 626.9541(1)(e)1, Florida
Statutes as more particularly alleged above.
WHEREFORE, you, ROBERT CHARLES TAYLOR, are hereby notified that the
Insurance Commissioner and Treasurer intends to enter an Order revoking or suspending your
licenses and eligibility for licensure or to impose such penalties as may be proper under the
provisions of Sections 626.611, 626.621, 626.681, 626.691, 626.692 and 626.9521 Florida
Statutes, under the procedures and rules set forth in this Administrative Complaint.
NOTICE OF RIGHTS
You have the right to request a proceeding to contest this action by the Department
pursuant to sections 120.569 and 120.57, Florida Statutes, and Rule 28-107, Florida
Administrative Code. The proceeding request must be in writing, signed by you, and must be
filed with the Department within twenty-one (21) days of your receipt of this notice. Completion
of the attached Election of Proceeding form and/or a petition for administrative hearing will
suffice as a written request. The request must be filed with the General Counsel as acting
Agency Clerk, at the Florida Department of Insurance, 612 Larson Building, 200 East Gaines
Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0333. Your written response must be received by the
Department no later than 5:00 p.m. on the twenty-first day after your receipt of this notice.
Mailing the response on the twenty-first day will not preserve your right to a hearing.
YOUR FAILURE TO RESPOND IN WRITING WITHIN
TWENTY-ONE (21) DAYS OF YOUR RECEIPT OF THIS
NOTICE WILL CONSTITUTE A WAIVER OF YOUR RIGHT TO
REQUEST A PROCEEDING ON THE MATTERS ALLEGED
HEREIN AND AN ORDER OF REVOCATION WILL BE
ENTERED AGAINST YOU.
If you request a proceeding, you must provide information that complies with the
requirements of Rule 28-107.004, Florida Administrative Code. As noted above, completion of
the attached Election of Proceeding form conforms to these requirements. Specifically, your
response must contain:
(a) The name and address of the party making the request, for purpose of service;
(b) A statement that the party is requesting a hearing involving disputed issues of
material fact, or a hearing not involving disputed issues of material fact; and
(c) A reference to the notice, order to show cause, administrative complaint, or other
communication that the party has received from the agency.
If a hearing of any type is requested, you have the right to be represented by counsel or
other qualified representative at your expense, to present evidence and argument, to call and
cross-examine witnesses, and to compel the attendance of witnesses and the production of
documents by subpoena.
If a proceeding is requested and there is no dispute of material fact, the provisions of
section 120,57(2), Florida Statutes, apply. In this regard, you may submit oral or written
evidence in opposition to the action taken by the Department or a written statement challenging
the grounds upon which the Department has relied. While a hearing is normally not required in
the absence of a dispute of fact, if you feel that a hearing is necessary, one will be conducted in
Tallahassee, Florida, or by telephonic conference call upon your request.
However, if you dispute material facts which are the basis for the Department’s action,
you must request an adversarial proceeding pursuant to sections 120.569 and 120.57(1), Florida
Statutes. These proceedings are held before a State administrative law judge of the Division of
Administrative Hearings. Unless the majority of witnesses are located elsewhere, the
Department will request that the hearing be conducted in Tallahassee, Florida.
Failure to follow the procedure outlined with regard to your response to this notice may
result in the request being denied. All prior oral communication or correspondence in this matter
shall be considered freeform agency action, and no such oral communication or correspondence
shall operate as a valid request for an administrative proceeding. Any request for an
administrative proceeding received prior to the date of this notice shall be deemed abandoned
unless timely renewed in compliance with the guidelines as set out above.
Mediation of this matter pursuant to section 120.573, Florida Statutes, is not available.
No Department attorney will discuss this matter with you until the response has been received by
the Department of Insurance.
DATED this 22nd ___ day of March , 2002.
KENNEY ames
Deputy Insurance Commissioner
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
THEREBY CERTIFY that a true and correct copy of the foregoing ADMINISTRATIVE
COMPLAINT and ELECTION OF RIGHTS have been furnished by Certified Mail to:
ROBERT CHARLES TAYLOR, 533 Lillian Drive, St. Petersburg, FL 33708-2369 and
ROBERT CHARLES TAYLOR at 2727 Ulmerton Road, Ste 3A, Clearwater, FL 34622-3366,
onthis 22nd day of___ March , 2002.
AMES A. BOSSART, ESQUIRE
ivision of Legal Services
612 Larson Building
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0333
(850) 413-4124
Docket for Case No: 02-001426PL
Issue Date |
Proceedings |
Jun. 14, 2002 |
Order Closing File issued. CASE CLOSED.
|
Jun. 13, 2002 |
Motion to Relinquish Jurisdiction filed by Petitioner.
|
May 23, 2002 |
Order of Pre-hearing Instructions issued.
|
May 23, 2002 |
Notice of Hearing issued (hearing set for July 23, 2002; 9:00 a.m.; St. Petersburg, FL).
|
May 20, 2002 |
Letter to Judge Kirkland from J. Bossart requesting the hearing be july 22nd or july 29th filed.
|
May 17, 2002 |
Answer to Amended Complaint filed by Respondent.
|
May 10, 2002 |
Order Granting Motion for Leave to File Amended Administrative Complaint issued.
|
May 09, 2002 |
Order Granting Continuance issued (parties to advise status by May 17, 2002).
|
May 07, 2002 |
(Joint) Stipulated Order for Amending Complaint and Continuing Date for Trial filed.
|
May 03, 2002 |
Order Denying Motion to Dismiss issued.
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May 02, 2002 |
Motion for Leave to File Amended Administrative Complaint filed by Petitioner.
|
May 01, 2002 |
Order of Pre-hearing Instructions issued.
|
May 01, 2002 |
Notice of Hearing issued (hearing set for June 14, 2002; 9:00 a.m.; St. Petersburg, FL).
|
May 01, 2002 |
Petitioner`s Response to Motion to Dismiss (filed via facsimile).
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Apr. 23, 2002 |
Petitioner`s Response to Motion to Dismiss (filed via facsimile).
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Apr. 23, 2002 |
Joint Response to Initial Order (filed via facsimile).
|
Apr. 11, 2002 |
Initial Order issued.
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Apr. 08, 2002 |
Election of Proceeding filed.
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Apr. 08, 2002 |
Answer filed.
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Apr. 08, 2002 |
Respondent`s Motion to Dismiss Specifically Alleged Violations of the Administrative Complaint filed.
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Apr. 08, 2002 |
Administrative Complaint filed.
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Apr. 08, 2002 |
Agency referral filed.
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