News Release

SCHERERVILLE — The FBI’s Indianapolis Division is seeking to identify potential victims of Thomas J. Lemmen, a former insurance agent of Schererville. Lemmen was indicted by a federal grand jury on Oct. 17, 2024, on charges of wire fraud and aggravated identity theft.

According to the indictment, Lemmen executed a scheme in which he wrote over 1,000 fraudulent life insurance policies for individuals who purportedly resided throughout Northern Indiana and elsewhere without their knowledge or consent. Specifically, the indictment alleges that between 2020 and 2022, Lemmen applied for and obtained fraudulent life insurance policies using his victims’ names, dates of birth, Social Security numbers and by forging their digital signatures. As a result of the fraud, Lemmen received millions of dollars in commissions to which he was not entitled. An indictment is merely an allegation and is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent until proved guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Those victimized by Thomas J. Lemmen, or who have information relevant to this investigation, are encouraged to fill out a short questionnaire.

The FBI is legally mandated to identify victims of federal crimes it investigates. Victims may be eligible for certain services, restitution, and rights under federal and/or state law. Responses are voluntary but may be useful in the federal investigation. Based on the responses provided, those who fill out the questionnaire may be contacted by the FBI and asked to provide additional information. All identities of victims will be kept confidential.