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Lafayette Man Sentenced for Conspiring to Stage Automobile Accidents
A Lafayette man has been sentenced for conspiring to stage automobile accidents in New Orleans, Louisiana. Ryan Wheaten, 54, was sentenced to 10 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for his role in the staged collisions.
According to court documents, on May 17, 2017, Wheaten, along with other participants, staged an automobile collision with a tractor-trailer in the vicinity of U.S. Highway 90 East and Calliope Street in New Orleans. The group made false claims for personal injuries, resulting in the victim insurance companies paying out approximately $10,000.00.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana announced the sentencing, which was handed down by U.S. District Court Judge Lance M. Africk. In addition to the prison sentence, Wheaten was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $11,000 and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
The investigation into the staged collisions was led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Metropolitan Crime Commission. The prosecution of the case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Maria Carboni, Brian M. Klebba, Edward J. Rivera, and Brandon S. Long.
Wheaten’s sentencing is a significant blow to those who would seek to defraud insurance companies and put innocent lives at risk. The Eastern District of Louisiana will continue to work tirelessly to bring those responsible for such crimes to justice.
In total, six individuals were charged and pled guilty in connection with the staged collisions. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and cooperation in the fight against insurance fraud.
The mandatory facts of this case are as follows:
- Defendant: Ryan Wheaten
- Criminal Charges: Conspiracy to Commit Mail Fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371
- City and State: New Orleans, Louisiana
- Date: January 12, 2022 (sentencing)
- Sentence: 10 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, restitution in the amount of $11,000, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee
- Dollar Amounts: $10,000.00 (paid out by victim insurance companies), $11,000 (restitution)
Key Facts
- State: Louisiana
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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