⏱ 2 min read
Brendan and Lisa Lawler, a married couple from New Bedford, Massachusetts, have been sentenced for running an insurance scam that defrauded over 50 clients of more than $962,000. The couple, who owned BL Insurance Brokerage, LLC, collected insurance payments from clients but instead of paying the insurance companies, they used the money for their own purposes. The scheme, which lasted from March 2023 to March 2024, involved creating fake insurance documents to convince clients they were insured.
The Lawlers pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud in March 2026 and were sentenced to eight months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. They were also ordered to pay restitution, with the amount to be determined at a later date. The couple’s actions were uncovered with the help of the Massachusetts Division of Insurance and Insurance Fraud Bureau, and the case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan Cleary.
The investigation, led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division, found that the Lawlers used incoming client funds to pay outstanding balances due to other clients’ insurers, effectively robbing Peter to pay Paul. This tactic allowed them to keep their business afloat and continue the scam. The couple’s scheme was eventually exposed, and they now face the consequences of their actions.
The sentencing of the Lawlers serves as a warning to others who would engage in similar fraudulent activities. The cooperation between law enforcement agencies and regulatory bodies, such as the FBI and the Massachusetts Division of Insurance, is crucial in combating insurance fraud and protecting consumers.
📋 Key Facts
- Crime: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Defendant: Massachusetts
- Location: MA
- Source: DOJ Press Release
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