El Cajon insurance agent accused of stealing premium payments

SAN DIEGO (CNS) – A preliminary hearing for an El Cajon insurance agent accused of stealing premium payments from more than a dozen companies and individuals was scheduled for next week, authorities said Monday.

Dawna Louise Ernster, also known as Dawna Louise Salois, was arrested Tuesday on 30 charges, including 14 counts each of felony grand theft and failure to disclose events affecting insurance coverage.

“Ernster violated her fiduciary responsibility and placed her customers at unnecessary risk for her own personal gain,” said Department of Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones.

Authorities said Ernster, 48, was licensed as an insurance agent and specialized in selling general liability policies to construction companies.

The Department of Insurance is looking for additional victims and encourages anyone who may have business with Dawna Ernster, Dawna Salois, and JND Insurance Services to contact investigators at (858) 693-7150.

Ernster faces up to 18 years in prison if convicted, according to authorities. Her preliminary hearing is set for Oct. 29.