New Orleans attorneys found guilty in plot to stage vehicle accidents for payouts

March 21, 2026

TL;DR

Attorneys Jason Giles and Vanessa Motta were found guilty of fraud, obstruction of justice, and witness tampering.
They allegedly paid individuals ('slammers') to intentionally crash into tractor-trailers to file fraudulent lawsuits.
A third defendant, Diaminike Stalbert, was convicted of making false statements but acquitted of conspiracy.
The scheme is estimated to have added at least $600 annually to car insurance costs in Louisiana.
The convictions are part of Operation Sideswipe, which targets staged accident fraud.
Giles and Motta were remanded into custody pending sentencing, while Stalbert was allowed to remain out.

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