Second superseding indictment filed in massive New Orleans insurance fraud probe Federal prosecutors expand charges, allege new details in multimillion-dollar insurance fraud scheme
WWLTV, By WWL Staff, April 28, 2025
NEW ORLEANS — The federal investigation into staged vehicle accidents in Louisiana took a step forward this week as prosecutors filed a second superseding indictment against former attorney Sean Alfortish and several co-defendants, expanding the scope of a long-running insurance fraud case.
The new indictment, filed in U.S. District Court, charges Alfortish and others — including Vanessa Motta, Motta Law LLC, Jason Giles, King Firm LLC, Leon Parker, Diaminike Stalbert, Carl Morgan, and Timara Lawrence — with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, obstruction of justice, mail fraud, witness tampering, and making false statements.
Prosecutors allege the group orchestrated a scheme involving staged traffic accidents in the New Orleans area to defraud insurance companies. Participants allegedly faked injuries, filed false claims, and sought lucrative settlements through fraudulent lawsuits filed by complicit attorneys and law firms.
The superseding indictment details new allegations, adds additional defendants, and outlines an expanded timeline of events. Authorities say Alfortish played a central role, organizing crash participants and coordinating with lawyers to maximize payouts.
The defendants are scheduled to be arraigned on May 14, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. before Magistrate Judge Donna Phillips Currault in New Orleans. Some defendants are in custody, while others remain free on bond.
The case is part of a broader federal crackdown on staged accident schemes, which have plagued the region’s insurance markets and driven up premiums for everyday drivers. Dozens of individuals have already been charged or convicted in related investigations over the past few years.
Alfortish, a disbarred former attorney, had previously faced legal trouble in an unrelated fraud case, further raising the stakes in this latest indictment.
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