INSURANCE AGENCY SUSPENDED

The Risk Management Agency issued suspension notices on June 11, 2003, against Wendell Mints, Sr., of Vernon, TX, and against Wendell Mints Insurance Agency and 4M Partnership. The suspensions were primarily based on an indictment issued by the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas, which indicted Mints on charges of conspiracy, filing false claims, and making false statements.

The suspensions prohibit Mints, the insurance agency, and the partnership from doing certain business with the government, and preclude the entities from participating in the Federal crop insurance program. The Mints Insurance Agency will not be permitted to renew any of its current crop insurance policies nor write any new business during the suspension period.

The suspensions will remain in effect pending the outcome of the trial. If Mints is convicted, the conviction may be used as a basis for government-wide debarment.