Related Federal Cases
- New Orleans Man Sentenced to 20 Years for Arson Scheme · Louisiana
- New Orleans Murder-for-Hire Indictment Unsealed · Louisiana
- NOLA Woman Gets 3.5 Years for Kidnap & Ransom Scheme · Louisiana
- Postal Key Unlocks Mail Fraud Scheme: Louisiana Man Sentenced · Louisiana
- D.C. Killer Gets Life for Child’s Murder · Washington
New Orleans Pair Charged with Conspiracy to Murder Witness in Staged Collision Scheme
A five-count indictment has been unsealed against Ryan J. Harris, 35, of New Orleans, and Jovanna R. Gardner, 39, of Chalmette, Louisiana, for their alleged roles in a conspiracy to commit murder of a federal witness in connection with the staging of automobile collisions in the New Orleans area.
The indictment, returned on May 3, 2024, and unsealed on May 6, 2024, charges both Harris and Gardner with conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, conspiracy to commit witness tampering through murder, witness tampering through murder, conspiracy to retaliate against a witness through murder, and retaliation against a witness through murder.
According to the indictment, Harris, Gardner, and others participated in a scheme in which they intentionally caused staged automobile collisions with other vehicles in the New Orleans metropolitan area. The scheme included individuals who rode in automobiles as passengers knowing they would be part of staged collisions, which later led to fraudulent insurance claims and lawsuits.
Gardner was a passenger in a staged collision, while Harris was one of the individuals who intentionally collided with 18-wheeler tractor-trailers and other commercial vehicles to stage collisions. Harris also recruited and conspired with others to participate in staged collisions.
The indictment alleges that the scheme involved the use of the mail and interstate wires, including the filing of fraudulent insurance claims and lawsuits. The scheme caused multiple staged collisions between approximately March 4, 2015, and the date of the indictment.
Garrison, who worked with Harris as a slammer and spotter, began cooperating with the federal government in October 2019. Harris and Gardner were arrested by special agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation after the indictment was unsealed.
The indictment alleges that on September 22, 2020, Harris and Gardner murdered a witness in connection with the staged collision scheme. If convicted, Harris and Gardner face up to life in prison.
Key Facts
- State: Louisiana
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
🔒 Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
Browse More
