New Orleans Lawyers Face Prison, Others May Face Discipline for Crash Scheme
A federal jury convicted attorneys Vanessa Motta and Jason Giles in a sprawling fraud case involving staged collisions with big-rig trucks in New Orleans. The verdict followed a three-week trial that federal prosecutors called “Operation Sideswipe.”
Convictions and expected penalties
Both lawyers face up to 20 years in prison on the counts tied to the scheme. Federal sentencing guidelines, based on an estimated $10 million loss, range roughly from 188 to 235 months.
U.S. District Chief Judge Wendy Vitter ordered both defendants jailed pending sentencing. The court set sentencing for July.
Allegations, witnesses and scheme details
Prosecutors say hired “slammers” staged many crashes and delivered fake injury claimants to law firms. Witnesses testified that some slammers fabricated wrecks rather than merely recruiting victims.
Key witnesses included slammers Damian Labeaud and others. Labeaud tied multiple lawyers and firms to the scheme during testimony.
Names tied to incidents
- Damian Labeaud — testified about arranging staged collisions and payments.
- Cornelius Garrison III — a slammer who was killed in Gentilly in 2020.
- Danny Patrick Keating — identified by witnesses as working with slammers.
- Anthony Milazzo and James Courtenay — named in testimony by an insurance defense attorney.
- Jason Baer, Lionel Sutton and Toni Arnona — linked to crashes and related lawsuits by witnesses and agents.
Law firms and organizational fallout
Jurors also returned verdicts against one or more firms connected to the defendants. The King Firm founders — Giles, Milazzo and Brian King — were identified as potentially vulnerable.
Former prosecutors warned firms may face heavy fines and be barred from certain government work. A firm cannot be imprisoned, but financial penalties can follow.
Ethics, discipline and immunity claims
Legal ethics experts say convictions will likely trigger disbarment if they survive appeals. Both Motta and Giles had been placed on interim suspension over a year ago.
Some lawyers connected to the case received federal cooperation or immunity deals, an attorney for Giles said. Former Office of Disciplinary Counsel chief Charles Plattsmier said such deals carry little weight for disciplinary proceedings.
Plattsmier explained that failing to report known misconduct can itself justify discipline. He added the use of runners to bring crash victims is both criminal and an ethical breach.
Possible outcomes for unindicted lawyers
- Investigations by the Office of Disciplinary Counsel could proceed despite no criminal charges.
- Cooperation with federal prosecutors may mitigate consequences, but cannot eliminate disciplinary exposure.
- Sanctions could range from reprimands to permanent disbarment, depending on involvement.
Defense reactions and next steps
Motta’s attorney, Sean Toomey, said she will appeal and that new counsel will handle that process. Lynda Van Davis, Giles’ attorney, declined to comment.
Observers said both convicted lawyers may seek downward variance at sentencing. Motta’s role as a parent and first-time offender could be factors.
Related criminal matters
Federal prosecutors plan a separate trial tied to Cornelius Garrison’s slaying. That trial involves Sean Alfortish and Leon Parker. It is scheduled for August.
Prosecutors may call on cooperating witnesses in that case. Motta could potentially cooperate, officials said.
As the legal community digests the jury’s decision, New Orleans lawyers face prison risks and other attorneys may face discipline for their roles in the crash scheme. Filmogaz.com will continue to follow developments and report on upcoming hearings and disciplinary actions.
