Authorities have unveiled a complex fraud involving eight individuals and two New Orleans law firms, centered around orchestrated vehicular accidents and false insurance claims.
The Eastern District of Louisiana has unsealed a 10-count indictment accusing eight people and two law firms of engaging in a decade-long scheme of staging vehicle accidents. Motta Law, LLC and The King Firm, LLC, along with several individuals, face charges including conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud. This new development brings the total number of defendants to 63 in the federal investigation named ‘Operation Sideswipe.’
Ryan J. Harris, 36, from New Orleans, is facing severe charges, including murder, for allegedly killing Cornelius Garrison in 2020. Officials state the act was meant to prevent Garrison from cooperating with federal authorities on the fraudulent scheme. Garrison had been secretly assisting authorities since 2019, trying to expose the staged collision operation.
The fraudulent activity, which began in 2011, involved deliberately crashing vehicles into 18-wheelers, with accomplices then feigning as drivers. These staged collisions led to false claims, with supposed witnesses backing the dishonest narrative that commercial vehicles were responsible. According to the indictment, 22 such collisions occurred in the Eastern District of Louisiana alone.
Sean Toomey, representing attorney Vanessa Motta, argues that his client is innocent. He contests the government’s allegations, suggesting that Motta, relatively new to law practice at the time, was herself deceived by others involved in the conspiracy. However, authorities assert that Motta was actively part of the fraudulent litigation process.
The King Firm, one of the entities implicated, has not responded to communications seeking their side of the story. Harris, if convicted, faces life imprisonment and significant financial penalties. The broader charge of mail and wire fraud could result in up to 20 years in prison for those involved, along with substantial fines.
The authorities’ rigorous investigation underscores the complexity and scale of this operation, marking a significant step in addressing and dismantling organized fraud within the region.
As the legal proceedings continue, the focus remains on uncovering the full extent of the fraudulent activities, ensuring justice for those wronged, and preventing similar schemes in the future.
Source: Apnews
