| id | cleanReleaseDate | troopName | title |
| 1464 | 2015-08-06 | Troop B | Extensive Insurance Fraud Investigation Results in Numerous Arrests in South Louisiana |
TROOP B - NEWS RELEASE August 6, 2015 Extensive Insurance Fraud Investigation Results in Numerous Arrests in South Louisiana New Orleans, LA- Following a nearly two year extensive investigation into a suspected staged crash criminal conspiracy, six south Louisiana residents were arrested for their involvement in the insurance fraud scheme. Five additional suspects are still wanted at this time. In 2013, the Louisiana State Police Insurance Fraud/Auto Theft Unit - New Orleans Field Office received information from a local insurance company relative to a suspected “staged crash ring” taking place over a period of approximately four years in the New Orleans metropolitan area. The compiled information indicated that approximately 16 individuals participated in several staged crashes dating from 2011 to as recent as May of 2015. The New Orleans IF/AT Field Office began to work closely with the Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office on the cases. During the month of July 2015, with the assistance of the Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office, a grand jury investigation was started to investigate the various roles and connections between the involved participants. Through the investigation, it was learned that 43 year old Chad Lightfoot of Morgan City, LA frequently used a false identity and orchestrated four known staged crashes in Orleans Parish. Of the four discovered staged crashes, Lightfoot was confirmed to be involved in committing insurance fraud and conspiring to commit insurance fraud. On July 30, 2015, the results of the investigation were presented to an Orleans Parish grand jury. The grand jury returned indictments on 11 individuals for multiple counts of Insurance Fraud and Conspiracy to Commit Insurance Fraud linked to the staged crashes. Lightfoot was also indicted on multiple counts of Perjury related to his civil trial involving the first 2011 staged crash, as well as 1 count of Identity Theft. Insurance agency representatives estimated the total amount fraudulently paid to be over $154,000 related to a 2011 staged crash. Additional staged crash insurance claims were denied once the connection between the parties was discovered and the fraud was detected. As a result of the investigation, the following suspects were arrested:
2. Irvin Escort (B/M age 35) of Scott, LA, Insurance Fraud (1 count), Conspiracy to Commit Insurance Fraud (1 count)
The following individuals are still wanted at this time:
LSP Investigators work closely with the LA Department of Insurance, local judicial offices, and the Louisiana Attorney General’s office in successfully bringing individuals involved in committing insurance fraud to justice. The Insurance Fraud Unit has field offices located throughout the state in which Troopers investigate various types of insurance fraud cases such as staged crashes, “jump-in” crashes, fraudulent injury claims, worker’s compensation fraud, forged medical records, and inflated property claims. The public plays an integral role in identifying suspects accused of these crimes and is strongly urged to report criminal or suspicious activity. For more information and/or to contact the Louisiana State Police Insurance Fraud and Auto Theft Unit visit www.lsp.org/ifu.html. The Louisiana State Police on-line reporting system is available to the public through a convenient and secure reporting form that is submitted to the appropriate investigators. Citizens can access the form by visiting www.lsp.org and clicking the Suspicious Activity link. Contact Information: TFC Evan Harrell Louisiana State Police Public Affairs Section – Troop C Office- (985) 857-3680 Cell- (985) 855-0241 Evan.Harrell@la.gov www.LSP.org www.facebook.com/LouisianaStatePolice | |||
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