Attorney General Thurbert E. Baker announced today that a grand jury in Tattnall County Superior Court has returned an indictment against James L. Burnsed on 83 counts of insurance fraud. Burnsed, age 49, a resident of Pembroke, Georgia, is charged with receiving money from numerous individuals in Tattnall County for the purchase of insurance and converting the money to his own use. The "premiums" paid ranged from $29 to $18,750 and totaled over $42,000. In addition, the indictment alleges that Burnsed knowingly issued fake insurance policies to the same individuals.

The indictment is the result of a lengthy investigation conducted by the Insurance Commissioner's office. Assistant Attorney General Eleanor Kornahrens and Counsel to the Attorney General Michael E. Hobbs presented the case to the grand jury. No trial date has been set.