Gilda Henderson, Conspiracy to Commit Mail Fraud, Louisiana 2022

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA

On May 11, 2017, a brazen scheme unfolded in the streets of New Orleans when Gilda Henderson, a 69-year-old woman from Morgan City, conspired with others to intentionally collide with a tractor-trailer at the intersection of Chef Menteur Highway and Downman Road.

According to court documents, Henderson falsely claimed that she was a passenger in the car that was struck by the tractor-trailer. However, in reality, she was an accomplice to the intentional collision, along with Damian Labeaud, Mario Solomon, and others.

In the aftermath of the collision, Henderson filed a fraudulent lawsuit claiming that the tractor-trailer was at fault and lied in a deposition. This scheme caused the insurance company for the tractor-trailer to pay over $140,000 in settlement funds.

Henderson, who faces a maximum penalty of 5 years imprisonment, a term of supervised release of up to 3 years, and a fine of up to $250,000, pleaded guilty to Count 1 of her indictment on April 13, 2022, charging Conspiracy to Commit Mail Fraud in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371.

The Honorable Jane Triche Milazzo set sentencing in this matter for July 27, 2022. The U.S. Attorney’s Office would like to acknowledge the assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Louisiana State Police, and the Metropolitan Crime Commission with this matter.

The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria M. Carboni, Brian M. Klebba, Chief of the Financial Crimes Unit, Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward Rivera, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon S. Long.

As a result of Henderson’s guilty plea, the total number of defendants convicted in Operation Sideswipe has reached 36. This case serves as a reminder of the importance of integrity and honesty in our society, and the severe consequences that await those who attempt to deceive and defraud others.

Related Federal Cases