Fraud Investigation Becomes Double Murder/Suicide

"VILLE PLATTE, LA — An insurance agent who allegedly shot two insurance fraud investigators to death Tuesday afternoon also eventually killed himself.

"Agents Rhett Jeansonne, 39, and Kim Sledge, 44, were killed as they served cease and desist orders to John Melvin Lavergne, 67, in Ville Platte around 1 p.m.

"Lavergne barricaded himself inside his insurance company. An officer on the scene said Lavergne died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

"The two fraud agents were meeting with Lavergne to investigate a complaint. The meeting was scheduled to last about an hour.

"After the shootings, hostage negotiators spent nearly six hours trying to make contact with Lavergne.

"The agents were part of the Louisiana Insurance Fraud Task Force, which is charged with investigating any and all fraud...

"Lavergne has been in trouble with the Department of Insurance a few times.

"In 2009, he was issued a cease and desist order and fined for allegedly providing fraudulent proofs of insurance.

"In 2010, he was arrested by the Louisiana State Police and given another cease and desist order.

"Authorities did not specify what the most recent complaint was against Lavergne.

"The Louisiana State Police is investigating the shootings."

From WAFB.com...