POWDER SPRINGS — The state has charged a suburban Atlanta insurance agent with fraud after authorities say he pocketed his clients' premiums.

Insurance Commissioner John Oxendine said 49-year-old Ellery Butler was arrested Friday and charged with three counts of insurance fraud. Authorities say Butler stole $7,005 from clients on workers compensation, liability, commercial auto and inland marine insurance policies.

He was working at Eternity Insurance Agency in Powder Springs. Butler faces up to 10 years in prison for each fraud charge.

A spokesman for Oxendine said Butler has been released from the Cobb County jail on $15,000 bond.

Oxendine is asking Butler's clients to contact the consumer services division at 800-656-2298.