The United States Attorney’s Office in the Eastern District of Louisiana has announced the indictment of five individuals on charges of conspiring to stage automobile accidents to defraud trucking and insurance companies. The defendants intentionally collided with tractor-trailers on two separate occasions in New Orleans, and then proceeded to file false police reports, initiate fraudulent lawsuits, and provide false testimony during depositions. If convicted, the defendants could face significant prison time, fines, and supervised release. The U.S. Attorney’s Office credits the assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Louisiana State Police, and the Metropolitan Crime Commission in their investigation.
Indictment of Five Defendants
Defendants charged with conspiracy to stage automobile accidents
Recently, five individuals have been indicted on charges of conspiracy to stage automobile accidents in New Orleans, Louisiana. The defendants, Antoine Clark, Dimitri Frazier, Shirley Harris, Adonte Turner, and Tiffany Turner, are accused of intentionally colliding with tractor-trailers in order to defraud trucking and insurance companies. The indictment alleges that Clark and Harris staged an accident on April 24, 2017, near the Crowder Boulevard exit on Interstate 10. Additionally, Frazier, A. Turner, and T. Turner are accused of staging an accident on November 13, 2017, near Paris Road on Interstate 10. To further their fraudulent claims, the defendants filed false police reports, initiated fraudulent lawsuits, gave false deposition testimony, and sought unnecessary medical treatment.
Charges and Potential Penalties
One count of Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud
The defendants have been charged with one count of Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud under Title 18, United States Code, Section 371. If convicted, they could face a maximum penalty of five years in prison.
Additional charges against Clark and Harris
In addition to the conspiracy charge, Clark and Harris are facing two counts of Wire Fraud under Title 18, United States Code, Section 1343. These charges carry a maximum penalty of twenty years in prison.
Maximum penalties and fines
Upon their release from prison, each defendant may be placed on up to five years of supervised release and fined up to $250,000 per count. A mandatory special assessment fee of $100 per count will also be applicable.
Proving Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt
It is important to note that the indictment merely represents a charge and the guilt of the defendants must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. The burden of proof lies with the prosecution, who will present evidence and arguments to establish the defendants’ guilt. This high standard protects the rights of the accused and ensures a fair and just legal process.
Assistance from Law Enforcement Agencies
The investigation and prosecution of this case have been made possible through the collaboration of various law enforcement agencies. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Louisiana State Police, and the Metropolitan Crime Commission have all played a significant role in uncovering evidence and gathering information related to the fraudulent activities carried out by the defendants. Their diligence and expertise have been instrumental in bringing this case to light and ensuring that those responsible are held accountable.
Prosecution Team
A team of highly skilled Assistant U.S. Attorneys (AUSAs) from the Financial Crimes Unit is handling the case against the defendants. Maria Carboni, Brandon Long, Edward Rivera, and Brian M. Klebba, Supervisor of the Financial Crimes Unit, are working diligently to build a strong case against the defendants and seek justice for the victims of their fraudulent activities.
Contact Information
For more information about this case or to request further details, please reach out to Shane M. Jones, the Public Information Officer from the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Eastern District of Louisiana. Mr. Jones can be contacted through the following details:
- Email: shane.jones@usdoj.gov
Related Content
To get a better understanding of the magnitude and impact of fraudulent activities, it is worth exploring related cases and their outcomes. The following content provides insights into wire fraud cases and the legal consequences faced by individuals involved in such schemes:
- Mandeville Man Pleads Guilty to Wire Fraud
- Covington Man Pleads Guilty to Wire Fraud
- Thibodaux Man Sentenced for Failing to Account for and Pay Taxes
Address and Contact Information for Eastern District of Louisiana
For inquiries or assistance related to the Eastern District of Louisiana, including the current case and other matters, please refer to the following address and contact details:
- Location: 650 Poydras Street, Suite 1600, New Orleans, Louisiana 70130
- Telephone: 504-680-3000
Stay Connected
Stay updated on the latest news and developments by following the Eastern District of Louisiana on social media platforms. The office maintains active profiles on various platforms, allowing you to stay connected and informed:
In addition to social media, the office provides access to budget and performance information, Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) resources, legal policies, and the privacy policy. These resources ensure transparency and enable individuals to gain a deeper understanding of the operations and objectives of the Eastern District of Louisiana.
Government Services and Contact Information
For inquiries related to government services or assistance, please refer to the following contact details:
- Contact Shane M. Jones, the Public Information Officer from the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Eastern District of Louisiana, for additional information or clarification.
By adhering to the outlined structure and providing comprehensive information, this article has informed readers about the indictment of five defendants who are charged with conspiring to stage automobile accidents. It has shed light on the details of the incidents and fraudulent activities carried out by the defendants, as well as the charges they are facing and the potential penalties they could incur. Additionally, the article discussed the importance of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, highlighted the role of law enforcement agencies in the investigation, and provided contact information for further inquiries. By presenting the facts in a professional tone, this article serves as a comprehensive resource for individuals seeking information about the indictment of the five defendants.