Federal Jury Convicts New Orleans Attorneys in Staged 18-Wheeler Crash Fraud Trial A federal jury convicted prominent New Orleans injury attorneys Vanessa Motta and Jason Giles on multiple charges related to an alleged scheme involving staged truck accidents. The verdict, delivered on Friday, found both attorneys guilty of orchestrating fraudulent lawsuits to secure insurance payouts. Following the guilty verdicts, Motta and Giles were remanded to federal custody while awaiting sentencing. Prosecutors alleged that the defendants participated in a scheme where individuals, referred to as “slammers,” intentionally crashed into 18-wheelers to file lawsuits and claim insurance money. The case centered on how Motta and Giles profited from these incidents through their law practices. U.S. District Judge Wendy Vitter announced the verdict after jurors deliberated for over five hours. Giles was convicted of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and wire fraud, mail fraud, obstruction of justice, and witness tampering. Motta faced similar charges, including conspiracy to commit mail fraud and wire fraud, two counts of mail fraud, obstruction of justice, and witness tampering. Other entities, including Stalbert and The King Firm, were also found guilty of various charges, including mail fraud and obstruction of justice. Prosecutors emphasized that the case was not victimless, highlighting that truck drivers who lost their jobs and Louisiana drivers who pay higher insurance rates were among the affected parties. First Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Simpson described the case as an example of lawyers “pushing the boundaries of the code of ethics and the code of responsibility.” The courtroom became emotional after the verdict.#vanessa_motta #jason_giles #wendy_vitter #the_king_firm #stalbert
