FERRIDAY, La. — A Ferriday woman was arrested as part of a statewide investigation of alleged insurance fraud.

Sharon Lee Hoover, 42, of 207 Woodland in Ferriday, was arrested Wednesday by Natchez Police on a warrant from Tensas Parish.

She was charged with felony theft, insurance fraud, misappropriation of premiums and exploitation of the infirm, according to the Louisiana Department of Insurance.

There are 37 confirmed victims, including 23 people ages 65 and above, according to a Louisiana State Police affidavit. Hoover allegedly misappropriated premium money from Watson and Grace Insurance Agency of St. Joseph, La. She allegedly took money from clients and issued identification cards without forwarding premiums and applications to the insurance company. She is also alleged to have provided fraudulent information to the Office of Motor Vehicles.

&uot;Watson and Grace Insurance Agency took swift action to ensure that policy holders were not harmed … and that valid insurance coverage is provided for everyone who bought insurance from her in good faith,&uot; said Insurance Commissioner Jim Brown.

Hoover’s arrest was one of a series of arrests in the past several months involving the Department of Insurance and the State Police Insurance Fraud Task Force along with local authorities. Policy holders who bought insurance from Sharon Hoover are being encouraged to call the insurance company with their concerns.

Anyone who has trouble reaching the agency or insurance company should contact the Department of Insurance toll-free at (800) 259-5300 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays.