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Formerly licensed insurance agent Matthew Evans, 36, of Palmdale, was arraigned and pleaded not guilty to multiple felony charges involving fraud, after a Department of Insurance investigation revealed he allegedly deceived several clients and acquaintances into investing over $1.8 million in a non-existent marijuana business named “House of Green.” Evans’s insurance agent license was revoked earlier this year after he pleaded no contest in a separate case.

The Department initiated the investigation after receiving a complaint from two victims who claimed they had invested a total of $1.3 million in House of Green, without seeing any return on their investment. According to the victims, Evans refused to update them on the status of their investment and did not provide any records for the business. Furthermore, there were no indications that House of Green was operational.

The investigation also identified 12 additional victims who experienced similar issues with Evans. Investigators discovered that Evans stole a total of $1,862,479 from 15 separate victims, all of whom believed they were investing in House of Green. Instead of using the funds for business purposes as promised, Evans embezzled the money to finance his lavish lifestyle and promote his public image, as well as his business, Evans Family Consulting Inc. Examples of his lavish lifestyle include million-dollar Palmdale homes and brand new Cadillac Escalades.

In April 2024, in an unrelated case also investigated by the Department, Evans and his wife both pleaded no contest to seven misdemeanor counts. In that case, they stole the identities of licensed insurance agents and used them on fraudulent insurance applications to collect undeserved commissions. Both had their licenses revoked as a result of the plea. They both received probation and were ordered to pay restitution.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for September 15. This case is being prosecuted by the White Collar Crime Division of the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.

The Department reminds consumers to verify they are working with a licensed agent and/or licensed business at http://www.insurance.ca.gov/0200-industry/0008-check-license-status/. If a consumer suspects they have been a victim, they are encouraged to file a complaint with the Department.