In a shocking verdict, a federal trial jury has convicted two New Orleans personal injury attorneys, VANESSA MOTTA (“MOTTA”) and JASON F. GILES (“GILES”), of orchestrating a massive staged collision scheme. The guilty verdict was handed down on Friday, March 20, 2026, after a three-week trial.
MOTTA, 44, and GILES, 47, were found guilty of all charges pending against them. The jury also convicted law firms MOTTA LAW LLC and THE KING FIRM LLC, as well as co-conspirator DIAMANIKE F. STALBERT (“STALBERT”), 35.
The scheme involved staging car crashes and then filing false insurance claims to reap huge payouts. The feds had been investigating the attorneys and their cohorts for years, gathering evidence of their involvement in the scam. The trial was presided over by Chief U.S. District Judge Wendy B. Vitter.
Federal prosecutors presented a mountain of evidence, including testimony from former clients and associates of the defendants. The evidence showed that MOTTA and GILES had masterminded the scheme, using their law firms to file false claims and collect millions of dollars in insurance payouts.
The conviction is a major blow to the defendants, who now face serious prison time. The feds are likely to seek stiff sentences, given the scope and complexity of the scheme. The verdict also sends a strong message to other would-be scammers, warning them that the feds are watching and will prosecute those who engage in such activities.
The investigation and prosecution of the case were the result of a joint effort by federal prosecutors and other law enforcement agencies. The feds worked tirelessly to gather evidence and build a case against the defendants, and their efforts paid off with the guilty verdict. As the defendants await sentencing, the community can rest assured that justice has been served.
The case highlights the ongoing problem of insurance fraud and the need for vigilance in preventing such schemes. The feds will continue to investigate and prosecute those who engage in such activities, working to protect the public and uphold the law. With the conviction of MOTTA, GILES, and their cohorts, the feds have sent a strong message that they will not tolerate such behavior.
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Key Facts
- State: Ohio
- District: Southern District District of Ohio
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release
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