NEW ORLEANS, La. — Louisiana prosecutors and the trucking industry are pursuing justice in a high-profile trial involving attorneys accused of orchestrating staged accidents with commercial vehicles to profit from fraudulent insurance claims and lawsuits.
The Alleged Staged Accident Scheme
The case centers on individuals who knowingly participated in staged collisions involving 18-wheeler tractor-trailers and other commercial vehicles. Known as “slammers”, these participants allegedly drove cars into 18-wheelers intentionally, later fleeing the scene while a passenger falsely claimed to have been driving.
The scheme involved “spotters”, individuals who searched for commercial vehicles to involve in the staged accidents, according to an indictment filed in April 2025.
After the collisions, false insurance claims were filed using the names and personal information of other people, seeking payouts from the insurers.
Defendants in the Trial
The trial, presided over by Chief Judge Wendy B. Vitter, is currently being heard in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana. The defendants include:
- Vanessa Motta, a former film stuntwoman-turned-lawyer, and her firm Motta Law
- Jason F. Giles, an attorney, and his firm The King Firm
- Diaminike Stalbert
These defendants are charged with multiple counts, including:
- Conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud
- Mail fraud/aiding and abetting
- Obstruction of justice/aiding and abetting
- Witness tampering/aiding and abetting
The law firms are accused of pursuing fraudulent lawsuits based on the staged accidents.
Stalbert faces charges for conspiracy and for making false statements to federal agents.
The Murder of Federal Witness Cornelius Garrison
Two additional defendants, Sean Alfortish and Leon Parker (known as “Chunky”), are set to face trial on August 10. They have been accused of causing the murder of Cornelius Garrison, a “slammer” working with the FBI. Garrison was shot and killed in 2020 while cooperating in the investigation, allegedly at the hands of the two defendants.
Trucking Industry’s Response to Fraud
The Louisiana Motor Transport Association (LMTA) issued a statement at the start of the trial, expressing concern over the impact of these fraudulent schemes on the state’s trucking industry. LMTA represents hundreds of truckers and companies responsible for maintaining Louisiana’s supply chains.
LMTA highlighted that, in 2024, the average wage for trucking industry employees in Louisiana was $56,539, and the industry generated more than $5.3 billion in total wages. However, trucking companies were deliberately targeted by the staged accident schemes, which caused financial damage, tarnished reputations, and threatened the livelihoods of innocent drivers.
Call for Legal and Insurance Reform
LMTA criticized the state’s lack of regulatory protections against lawsuit abuse, pointing to the high volume of excessive litigation and inflated claims. The organization called on Louisiana lawmakers to take action by strengthening anti-fraud enforcement, restoring balance to the civil justice system, and delivering meaningful insurance reform.
According to the American Tort Reform Foundation, Louisiana ranks No. 4 in the nation among “Judicial Hellholes” – a designation given to states with a high number of liability-expanding court decisions and large verdicts. The foundation pointed out that, from January 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025, trial lawyers spent $74 million on ads in Louisiana, which contributed to the rise in lawsuits and liability claims.
Impact on the Louisiana Economy
LMTA stressed that the fraudulent schemes had lasting effects on the industry, causing soaring insurance premiums, exposing innocent drivers to lawsuits, and ultimately affecting jobs and the broader Louisiana economy. The association emphasized that, while they respect the judicial process, the damage caused by these fraud schemes is undeniable.
