Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation Division of Insurance	NEWS

Insurance License Application Denied

SPRINGFIELD, IL. -- Illinois Acting Director of Insurance Deirdre K. Manna has denied the insurance producer license application of James A. Battista of Chicago, Illinois effective November 26, 2004.

Mr. Battista was applying for a license to sell life, accident and health insurance. His license application was denied as a result of an investigation, which revealed that the Applicant was convicted of felony, Aiding and Abetting Mail Fraud in October of 2001. The felony was insurance related and sentencing required him to pay $162,300.00 in restitution to an Illinois broker.

Under the Illinois Administrative Review Law she may have the right to appeal and request a stay of the Order. A copy of the Director's Order is attached.