WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A former Wichita insurance agent accused of defrauding policyholders has struck a deal with prosecutors for a 42-month prison sentence.

Jason Matthew Pennington pleaded guilty Tuesday to two counts of wire fraud and one count of bank fraud.

Pennington admitted as part of his plea agreement that he defrauded policyholders, including Marlene Brown, a Wichita teacher and philanthropist who died in 2009.

The former State Farm insurance agent acknowledged he devised a scheme whereby he would forge signatures of policyholders and change addresses of their policies. He would then fraudulently take withdrawals against the policies and cash the money for himself. He also admitted lying to State Farm when questioned about a check that was being mailed to his Wichita office.

Sentencing was set for Nov. 11 in Wichita.

————————————

 

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A former Kansas insurance agent accused of stealing nearly $2 million from policyholders has told the court on the eve of trial that he wants to change his plea.

A court notation shows Jason Matthew Pennington has a change-of-plea hearing on Tuesday in federal court in Wichita.

Charges include wire and mail fraud and money laundering. One of the alleged victims is Marlene Brown, a Wichita teacher and philanthropist who died in 2009.

Prosecutors say Pennington engaged in a scheme to defraud her and others both before and after her death. His defense attorney did not immediately respond Monday to email and phone messages.

Pennington’s father, James L. Pennington, pleaded guilty to one count of filing a false tax return. The elder Pennington will be sentenced Oct. 6.