Murder, Fraud, Staged Accidents: 8 People, 2 Law Firms Charged in New Orleans Scam
A web of staged crashes, fake claims, and even murder unfolds as authorities charge eight individuals in a shocking New Orleans fraud scheme. š #News #NewOrleansLA #Louisiana #Crime
NEW ORLEANS, LA – A major fraud operation centered around staged auto accidents, false insurance claims, and a shocking murder has led to criminal charges against eight individuals and two law firms in the New Orleans, Louisiana area. The charges, announced by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana, reveal a complex conspiracy that spanned over a decade and involved illegal activities aimed at defrauding insurance companies. The case has drawn significant attention, especially due to the murder of a key witness, allegedly carried out to prevent further disclosures.
The Charges and Defendants
On December 10, 2024, federal prosecutors unveiled a 10-count superseding indictment, which names the following defendants: Ryan J. Harris, 36, also known as “Red”; Sean D. Alfortish, 57; Jason F. Giles, 45; Leon M. Parker, 51, also known as “Chunky”; Diaminike F. Stalbert, 34; Carl Morgan, 66; Timara N. Lawrence, 34; Vanessa Motta, 43; and the law firms Motta Law and The King Firm.
All of the defendants face charges of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud. In addition, Alfortish, Motta, Motta Law, Giles, and The King Firm are charged with obstruction of justice and witness tampering. Stalbert is also accused of making false statements. Harris faces additional charges, including witness tampering and the murder of Cornelius Garrison, a co-conspirator who was allegedly killed to prevent him from exposing the scheme.
The Staged Collisions and Fraudulent Claims
The indictment outlines how the conspiracy operated. According to the U.S. Attorneyās Office, a network of “slammers”āindividuals who intentionally caused collisionsācollided with commercial vehicles, including large 18-wheel tractor-trailers. Passengers, who knew they were participating in staged accidents, would falsely claim they were driving at the time of the crash. “Spotters,” who were also part of the scheme, drove getaway cars to help the slammers flee the crash scenes.
The fraudulent claims were then submitted to insurance companies, and lawsuits were filed to collect payments. The scheme is believed to have started as early as December 2011 and continued up until the most recent charges. The indictment paints a picture of a coordinated effort to exploit the insurance system over a period of several years.
The Murder of Witness Cornelius Garrison
The case took a darker turn with the murder of Cornelius Garrison, a participant in the fraud scheme who began cooperating with federal investigators in 2019. As a slammer and a spotter, Garrison played a significant role in the operation, but his decision to assist authorities led to a deadly act of retaliation.
Ryan J. Harris, who is alleged to have masterminded the fraud, is charged with the murder of Garrison in September 2020. Prosecutors claim that Harris murdered Garrison to stop him from revealing crucial information about the fraud scheme to investigators. In addition to the charges of murder, Harris faces accusations of witness tampering and retaliation, with the murder being specifically tied to his efforts to protect the fraudulent operation.
A Broader Investigation
The indictment released on December 10 is part of a larger ongoing investigation into staged automobile collisions in the New Orleans area. As of now, 63 individuals have been charged in connection with the scheme, underscoring the extensive nature of the conspiracy. The U.S. Attorney’s Office has made it clear that the investigation is still ongoing, and additional charges could be forthcoming.
RELATED TOPICS: Crime | Louisiana
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