Louisiana Attorneys Convicted, Jailed for Staging Accident Scam

A federal jury returned guilty verdicts Friday against two attorneys tied to a long-running staged-collision scheme. Vanessa Motta and Jason Giles were convicted in the U.S. Eastern District of Louisiana. The defendants were taken into federal custody after the verdicts.

Verdict and charges

Motta was found guilty on multiple counts. Convictions included mail fraud, wire fraud, obstruction of justice, and witness tampering.

Giles faced similar convictions. His employer, The King Firm, was also found guilty on related charges.

Trial details

The trial lasted roughly three weeks, including jury selection. Prosecutors called numerous witnesses. The defense presented no witnesses.

The jury deliberated about six hours after closing arguments. The Motta/Giles trial was the first to go to verdict in the probe.

Operation Sideswipe and scope

Federal prosecutors dubbed the investigation Operation Sideswipe. The scheme involved intentional collisions to claim insurance payouts.

Testimony traced the scam back as early as 2011. Indictments likely cover only some of the actual staged crashes.

• The U.S. Attorney said 63 people have been charged.
• More than four dozen defendants have pleaded guilty so far.

Other defendants

Co‑defendant Daiminike Stalbert was acquitted of conspiracy charges. He was convicted of making false statements to federal agents.

Sentencing and penalties

The U.S. Attorney announced sentencing dates. Motta is scheduled for July 7. Giles and The King Firm face sentencing on July 14. Stalbert is set for July 21.

Mail fraud and related conspiracy counts carry up to 20 years in prison. Obstruction of justice carries up to 10 years. Courts may also impose fines and restitution.

Courtroom aftermath

Local reporting described emotional scenes after the verdicts were read. Motta reacted visibly, and a family member fainted in the gallery. Court security summoned medical help.

Judge Vitter addressed the courtroom upon her return. She stated her view that Motta understood her actions. The judge also referenced separate allegations tied to the murder of a cooperating witness.

Related homicide and ongoing investigations

Cornelius Garrison, a cooperating defendant in the scheme, was fatally shot after pleading guilty. Prosecutors say the killing occurred soon after he agreed to cooperate.

Motta’s fiancé, Sean Alfortish, is jailed and awaits a separate trial on allegations tied to that slaying. The convictions Friday did not charge anyone in the murder.

Filmogaz.com will continue to follow this case. The prosecutions add to the list of Louisiana attorneys convicted in connection with the staging accident scheme. The broader investigation and pending cases could lead to more trials and sentences.