State Auditor James Brown Commends Federal Prosecutors for Securing Guilty Plea by Man Previously Convicted of Insurance Fraud in Montana

HELENA, Mont. — State Auditor James Brown applauds federal prosecutors for securing a guilty plea from a Connecticut man previously convicted of insurance fraud in Montana. The conviction follows an investigation by the Montana Auditor’s office and other state and federal law enforcement agencies.

In 2024, the Auditor’s office received a referral from the Montana Chamber Foundation claiming the organization bought prize indemnity insurance from Kevin Kolenda’s company, Hole-in-Won LLC, for the 2023 Governors’ Cup Golf Tournament at the Whitefish Lake South Golf Course.

The insurance was supposed to pay $40,000 if a contestant made a hole-in-one on the insured hole during the tournament. However, Kolenda’s company refused to pay after a contestant made a hole-in-one. In turn, the foundation had to pay the $40,000 prize out of its own funds.

The foundation learned that the Auditor’s Office previously investigated and prosecuted Kolenda for a similar hole-in-one insurance fraud scheme in Missoula County in 2010. That prior case resulted in a misdemeanor conviction and $10,000 in restitution for the victim. The foundation also learned that Kolenda had recently been indicted by a federal grand jury for related insurance scams in other states.

The Auditor’s office worked closely with FBI agents investigating the present case. In 2025, the federal government filed a superseding indictment charging Kolenda with wire fraud in connection with the 2023 Governors’ Cup and defrauding of the Montana Chamber Foundation.

Investigators from the Auditor’s office were prepared to testify at Kolenda’s federal trial; however, Kolenda signed a plea agreement with the federal government on September 15, 2026. The plea agreement calls for a sentencing guideline range of 46 to 57 months in federal prison, full restitution to Kolenda’s victims, and a fine of $10,000 to $100,000. Sentencing is scheduled for December 15, 2026.

“I’m glad to see that Montana’s investigative action against Kolenda, alongside that of other states, culminated in federal charges,” Auditor Brown said. “We are entering a new era in which local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies are cracking down on fraud like never before. Every dollar in fraud we stop is a dollar that can be used for legitimate business and personal purposes.”

The Auditor’s office still has an open investigation concerning Kolenda and Hole-in-Won LLC. Consequently, any other Montana victims of this scheme or others are encouraged to come forward and contact the agency. The Auditor’s office can be reached by calling 406-444-2040. Further resources are available on the agency’s website, located at csimt.gov.

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840 Helena Avenue, Helena, Montana 59601
(main fax) 406.444.3413  I  (securities fax) 406.444.5558
(insurance consumer services fax) 406.444.1980  I  (legal fax) 406.444.3499
(phone) 800.332.6148 or 406.444.2040  I  (email) [email protected]  I  (web) www.csimt.gov