Judge Quashes Subpoenas Served on Insurers in Settlement Fraud Case

HOUSTON - A federal judge has granted motions to quash subpoenas served on several insurers by a former silica attorney who was indicted on charges that he conspired with The Hartford to kick back proceeds from settlements his clients entered with Hartford's insureds. United States of America v. Hoeffner, No. 07-263 (S.D. Texas).

Judge David Hittner of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas ruled Dec. 8 that the non-party insurers need not respond to the subpoenas because they sought privileged information that have nothing to do with the alleged scheme involving the attorney and employees at …