A 36-year Louisiana insurance agent was issued a six-month summary suspension of his licenses and ordered to pay a $16,500 fine for allegedly providing fraudulent proofs of insurance.

John Melvin Lavergne, 64, of Ville Platte, La., was also served with a cease and desist order by the state’s department of insurance fraud, halting his activity in the industry. His firm, Lavergne’s Insurance Agency, also was issued a cease and desist order and summary suspension, according to the department.

Lavergne allegedly provided fake proof of insurance to the Lafayette Department of Motor Vehicles on four occasions.

Lavergne was issued a casualty, property and vehicle physical damages license in April 1977, which is valid through April 2011; and a life, accident and health license in May 1973, valid through April 2010.

His licenses will be suspended unless he requests a hearing with the department.