Wow, how's that for an inflammatory headline!

And no, I'm not just going for shock value. The thought has been in my mind recently after receiving a lengthy listing from the Illinois Insurance Department on independent agents in our state being fined, having their licenses pulled, or being denied licenses. And not for stuff like being out of trust, either. We're talking for the most part about people with preexisting criminal records — ranging from child support deadbeats, DUI slugs, drug dealers, child pornography convicts, even a murderer.

Here's a sampling:

Jerome F. Johnson, Chicago – Application for insurance producer license denied, effective May 17, 2010. Mr. Johnson's application for a license to sell life, accident and health insurance was denied as a result of an investigation which revealed that the Applicant was convicted of felony Murder on January 27, 1971, and failed to provide documentation with his application effective June 9, 2010.

Timothy A. Rasey, Hoffman Estates – Application for insurance producer license denied. Mr. Rasey's application for a license to sell life, accident, and health insurance was denied as a result of an investigation which revealed that the Applicant was convicted of felony Child Pornography on December 17, 1998.

Michael J. Smith, Chicago — Mr. Smith was licensed to sell life, accident, and health insurance. His license was revoked as a result of an investigation which revealed that he was convicted of six counts of felony Unlawful Distribution of a Controlled Substance on January 29, 2003. – Insurance producer license revoked effective May 28, 2010.