Larry Picou, Mail Fraud, Louisiana 2022

New Orleans, LA - In a shocking case of deception, Larry Picou, a 56-year-old man from Gibson, Louisiana, has admitted to his role in a staged automobile collision scheme.

According to court documents, Picou falsely claimed to be a passenger in a car that was struck by a tractor-trailer on May 11, 2017. In reality, Picou conspired with others to intentionally collide with the tractor-trailer in the area of Chef Menteur Highway and Downman Road in New Orleans.

After the intentional collision, Picou and his co-conspirators made a false police report, lied in depositions, and filed fraudulent lawsuits claiming that the tractor-trailer was at fault. Through this scheme, Picou and his co-conspirators caused the insurance company for the tractor-trailer to pay over $140,000 in settlement funds.

Picou has agreed to plead guilty to count one (1) in his indictment, charging him with Conspiracy to Commit Mail Fraud in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371. In exchange, the government has agreed to dismiss two counts of Mail Fraud in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1341 and 2.

The Honorable Jane Triche Milazzo set sentencing in this matter for January 18, 2023. Picou faces a maximum penalty of five (5) years' imprisonment; a term of supervised release of up to three (3) years; and a fine up to $250,000.00, as well as a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00.

The U.S. Attorney's Office would like to acknowledge the assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation 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.

Larry Picou's case is a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of white-collar crimes. As a seasoned journalist, it's essential to expose these schemes and bring perpetrators to justice.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-edla/pr/additional-defendant-pleads-guilty-staged-automobile-collision-scheme