Petitioner: DEPARTMENT OF FINANCIAL SERVICES, DIVISION OF FUNERAL, CEMETERY, AND CONSUMER SERVICES
Respondent: RENALDO LAMPKINS
Judges: ROBERT J. TELFER III
Agency: Department of Financial Services
Locations: Jacksonville, Florida
Filed: Jun. 11, 2018
Status: Closed
Settled and/or Dismissed prior to entry of RO/FO on Monday, July 16, 2018.
Latest Update: Dec. 23, 2024
FILED
APRI7 20
Docketed by CHIE FINANCIAL OFFICER
JIMMY PATRONIS
STATE OF FLORIDA
DEPARTMENT OF FINANCIAL SERVICES,
DIVISION OF FUNERAL, CEMETERY, AND
CONSUMER SERVICES,
Petitioner,
v. Case No. 200645-16-FC
RENALDO LAMPKINS,
Respondent.
/
ADMINISTRATIVE COMPLAINT
The Department of Financial Services, Division of Funeral, Cemetery, and Consumer
Services (Department), files this Administrative Complaint before the Board of Funeral, Cemetery,
and Consumer Services (Board), against Renaldo Lampkins (Respondent) and alleges:
1. The Department and Board have jurisdiction over Respondent’s license and the
subject matter of this proceeding pursuant to scction 20.121 and chapter 497, Florida Statutes
(2016).
2. Respondent is a funeral director and embalmer licensed under chapter 497, Florida
Statutes, license number F043345.
3. Lampkins Patterson Cremation Funeral Service Inc. (Lampkins Patterson) is a
Florida corporation and a licensed funeral establishment under chapter 497, Florida Statutes,
license number F082115. Lampkins Patterson’s address is 6615 Arlington Expressway,
Jacksonville, Florida.
4. At all times material hereto, Respondent was president of Lampkins Patterson as
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well as the funeral director in charge (FDIC) of Lampkins Patterson within the meaning of section
497.380(7), Florida Statutes.
5. Pursuant to section 497.380(7), Florida Statutes, the FDIC of a funeral
establishment is responsible for ensuring that the facility, its operation, and all persons employed
in the facility comply with all applicable state and federal laws and rules.
6. Pursuant to Rule 69K-21.007, Florida Administrative Code, each full time FDIC
shall be responsible for only one funeral establishment and shall also be responsible for making
sure the funeral establishment and all persons employed in the establishment comply with all
applicable laws and rules of the Board.
7. On or about April 27, 2016, Lampkins Patterson entered into a contract for funeral
services (funeral contract) with a consumer, R.H., to provide funeral services for R.H.’s deceased
son, J.G. The contract price of the funeral was $10,790. Respondent signed the funeral contract
as FDIC on behalf of Lampkins Patterson.
8. On or about April 25, 2016, Respondent, on behalf of Lampkins Patterson, received
$700 in cash from R.H. as a down payment on the funeral contract. On or about April 25, 2016,
Respondent, on behalf of Lampkins Patterson, received $500 in cash from S.O., R.H’s cousin, as
an additional payment on the funeral contract. On or about April 27, 2016, and May 12, 2016,
Respondent, on behalf of Lampkins Patterson, received in total $1,600 in cash from R.H., as
additional payments on the funeral contract.
9. Lampkins Patterson, by and through Respondent, received a total of $2,800 in cash
from R.H. as a down payment for the funeral contract. The funeral contract reflected that the
remaining balance was to be paid by an assignment of benefits ofa life insurance policy.
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10. J.G. owned a Prudential Life life insurance policy with R.H. as his beneficiary.
R.H. assigned $10,000 of her life insurance claim benefit to Lampkins Patterson as payment on
the remaining balance of the funeral contract.
1. On May 11, 2016, Prudential Life issued a check in the amount of $10,000 to
Lampkins Patterson per R.H.’s assignment. Lampkins Patterson, by and through Respondent,
deposited this check on May 17, 2016.
12. Despite the previous cash payments and the life insurance policy assignment,
Respondent, acting as FDIC of Lampkins Patterson, urged R.H. to apply to the Florida State
Bureau of Victim Compensation (the Bureau) for an award under chapter 960, Florida Statutes, to
help defray the funeral costs, which she did.
13. Pursuant to section 960.13(2), Florida Statutes, “[a]ny award shall be granted on an
‘actual need basis’ and shall be provided subsequent to all benefits provided by primary insurance
carriers, including, but not limited to, health and accident insurers,... .”
14, Pursuant to section 960.13(3), Florida Statutes, “[p]Jayment made in accordance
with this section shall be considered payment of last resort that follows all other sources.”
15. Pursuant to section 960.13(6), Florida Statutes, “[a]Jny award made pursuant to
[chapter 960] ...shall be reduced by the amount of any payment or services received or to be
received by the claimant as a result of the injury or death.”
16. On May 27, 2016, the Bureau contacted Lampkins Patterson. Lampkins Patterson,
by and through Respondent, represented to the Bureau that Lampkins Patterson received no
payments on the funeral contract, that no out of pocket payments had been made by R.H., and that
an outstanding balance of $10,000 on the funeral contract was still owed. This representation made
to the Bureau was a false and material misstatement of fact.
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17. On June 1, 2016, the Bureau made a payment to Lampkins Patterson of $7,500, the
maximum compensation allowed for actual funeral expenses, pursuant to sections 960.13(4) and
440.16(a), Florida Statutes.
18. On June 15, 2016, the Bureau contacted Lampkins Patterson a second time.
Lampkins Patterson, by and through Respondent, represented a second time to the Bureau that no
additional payments had been received on the funeral contract, other than the $7,500 received from
the Bureau. This representation to the Bureau was false and a material misstatement of fact.
19. Respondent’s representations in the above-mentioned transactions with the Bureau
were fraudulent. Lampkins Patterson was not entitled to any funds from the Bureau under chapter
960, Florida Statutes. The Bureau would not have paid the $7,500 award under chapter 960, Florida
Statutes, to Lampkins Patterson except for Respondent’s fraudulent misrepresentations and
material misstatements of fact.
20. _R.H. has demanded an accounting of the funds paid on the funeral contract and a
refund, but Respondent has refused to provide an either an accounting or a refund of the balance
of the life insurance proceeds to R.H.
COUNT I]
21. Petitioner realleges and incorporates by reference the allegations set forth in
paragraphs one through twenty as if fully set forth herein.
22. Section 497.152(1)(a), Florida Statutes, provides that “violating any provision of
this chapter or any lawful order of the board or department or of the statutory predecessors to the
board or department” constitutes grounds for discipline.
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23, Section 497.152(1)(b), Florida Statutes, provides that it is a violation to “commit
fraud, deceit, negligence, incompetency, or misconduct in the practice of any of the activities
regulated under this chapter”, and constitutes grounds for discipline.
24. Section 497.152(4)(g), Florida Statutes, provides that “(mJaking or filing a
statement to any government entity that the licensee knows or has reason to know is false”
constitutes grounds for discipline.
. 25. Section 497.152(9)(f), Florida Statutes, provides that “[d]irectly or indirectly
making any deceptive, misleading, or untrue representations, whether oral or written, or employing
any trick, scheme, or artifice, in or related to the practice of the profession or occupations regulated
under this chapter [497], including the sale of any merchandise or services related to the practice
of the profession or occupation” is a disciplinable offense.
26. Based upon the foregoing, Respondent, as president and FDIC of Lampkins
Patterson, obtained $7,500 from thc Bureau by false and fraudulent misrepresentations to the
Bureau that he had not received any funds from R.H. in payment of the funeral contract, and
thereby knowingly received funds by fraud and deceit that he was not entitled to, has violated
sections 497.152(1)(a), 497.152(1)(b), 497.152(4)(g), and 497.152(9)(f), Florida Statutes, and is
subject to discipline thereunder.
COUNT II
27. Petitioner realleges and incorporates by reference the allegations set forth in
paragraphs one through twenty as if fully set forth herein.
28. Section 497.152(1)(a), Florida Statutes, provides that “violating any provision of
this chapter or any lawful order of the board or department or of the statutory predecessors to the
board or department” constitutes grounds for discipline.
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29, Section 497.152(1)(b), Florida Statutes, provides that it is a violation to “commit
fraud, deceit, negligence, incompetency, or misconduct in the practice of any of the activities
regulated under this chapter”, and constitutes grounds for discipline.
30. Section 497.152(9)(f, Florida Statutes, provides that “{d]irectly or indirectly
making any deceptive, misleading, or untrue representations, whether oral or written, or employing
any trick, scheme, or artifice, in or related to the practice of the profession or occupations regulated
under this chapter [497], including the sale of any merchandise or services related to the practice
of the profession or occupation” is a disciplinable offense.
31. Section 497.152(13)(a), Florida Statutes, provides that “[flailing, without
reasonable justification, to timely honor contracts entered into by the licensee or under the
licensee’s license for funeral or burial merchandise or services” is a disciplinable offense.
32. Respondent, by receiving funds in excess of the contract price, and by refusing to
refund the balance of the life insurance proceeds or account to R.H. for the overcharge, has refused,
without reasonable justification, to honor the funeral contract.
33. Based upon the foregoing, Respondent has violated sections 497.152(1)(a),
497.152(1)(b), 497.152(9)(, and 497.152(13)(a), Florida Statutes, and is subject to discipline
thereunder,
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WHEREFORE, the Department respectfully requests that the Board enter an order
imposing one or more of the following penalties on Respondent: revocation or suspension of his
license; imposition of an administrative fine not to exceed five thousand dollars ($5,000.00) for
each count or separate offense; issuance of a written reprimand; placement of his license on
probation; assessment of costs associated with the investigation and prosecution; imposition of
any or all penalties delineated within section 497.153(5), Florida Statutes; and any other relief that
the Board is authorized to impose pursuant to the Florida Funeral, Cemetery, and Consumer
Services Act.
~Yt
DATED and SIGNED this 1 "™ day or Kau 2018
OG
Chasity H. O’Ste
General Counsel
PC Found: 04/11/2017 #7
PC Found By: Al Hall, Richard Chesler, Jean Anderson
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NOTICE OF RIGHTS
The Licensee has the right to request a proceeding to contest this action by the Board
pursuant to sections 120.569 and 120.57, Florida Statutes (2015), and Rule 28-106, Florida
Administrative Code. The proceeding request must be in writing, signed by a representative for
the Licensee, and must be filed with the Department within twenty-one (21) days of 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 Department Agency
Clerk, Julie Jones, Florida Department of Financial Services, 200 East Gaines Street, Tallahassee,
Florida 32399-0390. The Licensee’s written response must be received by the Department no later
than 5:00 p.m. on the twenty-first day after receipt of this notice. Mailing the response on the
twenty-first day will not preserve the right to a hearing.
FAILURE TO RESPOND IN WRITING WITHIN TWENTY-
ONE (21) DAYS OF THE RECEIPT OF THIS NOTICE WILL
CONSTITUTE A WAIVER OF THE RIGHT TO REQUEST A
PROCEEDING ON THE MATTERS ALLEGED HEREIN
AND AN ORDER OF SUSPENSION OR REVOCATION
WILL BE ENTERED.
If the Licensee requests a proceeding, information must be provided that complies with the
requirements of Rule 28-106.2015, Florida Administrative Code. As noted above, completion of
the attached Election of Proceeding form conforms to these requirements. Specifically, the
response must contain:
(a) The name, address, and telephone number, and facsimile number (if any) of the
respondent (for the purpose of requesting a hearing in this matter the Licensee is the
"Respondent").
(b) The name, address, telephone number, facsimile number of the attorney or qualified
representative of the respondent (if any) upon whom service of pleadings and other papers shall
be made.
(c) A statement requesting an administrative hearing identifying those material facts
that are in dispute. If there are none, the petition must so indicate.
(d) A statement of when the respondent received notice of the administrative
complaint.
(e) A statement including the file number to the administrative complaint.
Ifa hearing of any type is requested the Licensee has the right to be represented by counsel
or other qualificd representative at its own 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.
Ifa proceeding is requested and there is no dispute of material fact, the provisions of section
120.57(2), Florida Statutes, apply. Oral or written evidence may be submitted in opposition to the
action taken by the Board or a written statement challenging the grounds upon which the Board
has relied. While a hearing is normally not required in the absence of a dispute of fact, if the
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Licensee feels that a hearing is necessary, one will be conducted in Tallahassee, Florida, or by
telephonic conference call upon request.
However, if the Licensee disputes material facts which are the basis for the Board’s action,
an adversarial proceeding must be requested 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 the 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 you or your representative during the time frame in
which you have to request a hearing.
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STATE OF FLORIDA
DEPARTMENT OF FINANCIAL SERVICES
OFFICE OF THE GENERAL COUNSEL.
DEPARTMENT OF FINANCIAL SERVICES,
DIVISION OF FUNERAL, CEMETERY, AND
CONSUMER SERVICES,
Petitioner,
v.
Case No. 200645-16-FC
RENALDO LAMPKINS,
Respondent.
ELECTION. DI
| have received and have read the Administrative Complaint filed by the Florida Department of Financial Services ("Department")
against me, including the Notice of Rights contained therein, and I understand my options. | am requesting disposition of this matter as indicated
below. (CHOOSE ONE)
Lf]
3.[]
I do not dispute any of the Department's factual allegations and 1 do_not desire a hearing. | understand that by waiving my right to a
hearing, the Board of Funeral, Cemetery and Consumer Services (“Board”) may enter a final order that adopts the Administrative
Complaint and imposes the sanctions sought, including suspending or revoking my license(s) as may be appropriate.
1 do not dispute any of the Department's factual allegations and I hereby elect a proceeding to be conducted in accordance with Sections
120.57(2) and 497.153(4)(b), Florida Statutes. In this regard, | desire to:
{] Submit a written statement and documentary evidence to the Board in lieu of a hearing; or
[] Personally attend a hearing conducted by the Board at the location of a regularly scheduled Board meeting.
1 do dispute one or more of the Department's factual allegations. | hercby request a hearing pursuant to Section 120.57(1), Florida
Statutes, to be held before the Division of Administrative Hearings. I have attached to this election form the information required by
Rule 28-106,2015, Florida Administrative Code, as specified in subparagraph (c) of the Notice of Rights. Specifically, 1 have identified
the disputed issues of material fact in the response attached hereto.
TO PRESERVE YOUR RIGHT TO A HEARING, YOU MUST FILE YOUR RESPONSE WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF
FINANCIAL SERVICES WITHIN TWENTY-ONE (21) DAYS OF YOUR RECEIPT OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE COMPLAINT. THE
RESPONSE MUST BE RECEIVED BY THE DEPARTMENT NO LATER THAN 5:00 P.M. ON THE TWENTY-FIRST DAY AFTER YOUR
RECEIPT OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE COMPLAINT.
The address for filing is; DFS Agency Clerk, Jutie Jones, Florida Department of Financial Services, 612 Larson Building, 200 East Gaines Street,
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0390.
Signature Print Name
Date: Address:
Date Administrative
Complaint Received:
If you are represented by an attorney or qualified Phone No.:
representative, please attach to this election form his
or her name, address, telephone and fax numbers. Fax No.:
10
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CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I HEREBY CERTIFY that a true and correct copy of the foregoing ADMINISTRATIVE
COMPLAINT and ELECTION OF PROCEEDING has been furnished by U.S. Certified Mail,
return receipt requested to Respondent, Renaldo Lampkins, at 6615 Arlington Expressway,
Jacksonville, Florida 32211, and to Dial Accounting Service, as registered agent for Lampkins
Patterson Cremation Funeral Services, Inc. at 144 Arlington Road S, Ste. 2, Jacksonville, Florida
32256, on this [ Why o Npr | , 2018.
PES for
James A. B
Senior Attorney
Office of the General Counsel
Florida Department of Financial Services
200 East Gaines Street
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0333
(850) 413-4125
11
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Docket for Case No: 18-002994PL
Issue Date |
Proceedings |
Jul. 16, 2018 |
Order Closing File. CASE CLOSED.
|
Jul. 13, 2018 |
Motion to Relinquish Jurisdiction (filed in Case No. 18-002995).
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Jul. 13, 2018 |
Motion to Relinquish Jurisdiction filed.
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Jul. 03, 2018 |
Notice of Transfer.
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Jun. 22, 2018 |
Amended Notice of Hearing (hearing set for August 9, 2018; 9:30 a.m.; Jacksonville, FL; amended as to Venue).
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Jun. 22, 2018 |
Order of Pre-hearing Instructions.
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Jun. 22, 2018 |
Notice of Hearing (hearing set for August 9, 2018; 9:30 a.m.; Jacksonville, FL).
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Jun. 22, 2018 |
Order of Consolidation (DOAH Case Nos. 18-2994PL, 18-2995).
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Jun. 19, 2018 |
Response to Intial Order filed.
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Jun. 12, 2018 |
Initial Order.
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Jun. 11, 2018 |
Notice of Appearance (Regina Ross).
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Jun. 11, 2018 |
Administrative Complaint filed.
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Jun. 11, 2018 |
Answer and Affirmative Defenses to Administrative Complaint filed.
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Jun. 11, 2018 |
Election of Proceeding filed.
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Jun. 11, 2018 |
Agency referral filed.
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