Louisiana Legal Giants Convicted in Massive 18-Wheeler Crash Scam

Prominent attorneys and their law firms found guilty of orchestrating a decade-long insurance fraud scheme targeting commercial trucks.

Mar. 21, 2026 at 1:33pm

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A federal jury in New Orleans has convicted two prominent local attorneys, Vanessa Motta and Jason F. Giles, along with their law firms, of orchestrating a sophisticated criminal enterprise that staged collisions with 18-wheelers to defraud insurance companies out of millions of dollars over a 10-year period. The scheme involved 'slammers' who intentionally caused the crashes and 'spotters' who helped recruit passengers to fill the vehicles during the staged accidents. The attorneys then filed fraudulent lawsuits and encouraged participants to undergo unnecessary medical procedures to inflate the value of the insurance claims.

Why it matters

This case highlights the growing problem of staged auto accidents and insurance fraud, which can drive up insurance costs for all consumers. The conviction of these high-profile attorneys and their law firms sends a strong message that such criminal activities will be aggressively prosecuted, even when perpetrated by those within the legal system.

The details

According to court evidence, the scheme ran from 2011 through late 2024. The group targeted commercial trucking companies and 18-wheelers because of their large insurance policies. The operation relied on 'slammers' who intentionally caused collisions and 'spotters' who drove getaway cars. Recruiters like Diamanike F. Stalbert helped find passengers to fill the vehicles during the staged crashes. Once a collision was staged, Motta Law LLC and The King Firm LLC would file lawsuits on behalf of the participants. The attorneys also encouraged participants to undergo medically unnecessary neck and back surgeries to inflate the value of their insurance claims and legal settlements.

  • The scheme ran from 2011 through late 2024.
  • The federal jury delivered its guilty verdict on March 21, 2026.
  • Sentencing is scheduled for July 2026.

The players

Vanessa Motta

A 44-year-old attorney convicted of orchestrating the insurance fraud scheme along with her law firm, Motta Law LLC.

Jason F. Giles

A 47-year-old attorney convicted of orchestrating the insurance fraud scheme along with his law firm, The King Firm LLC.

Diamanike F. Stalbert

A 35-year-old individual convicted of helping recruit passengers to fill the vehicles during the staged crashes.

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What they’re saying

“Today's verdict was the culmination of a lengthy investigation that amassed overwhelming evidence.”

— Michael M. Simpson, First Assistant U.S. Attorney

“The defendants pursued personal fortune through lies and deception, that potentially impacted every auto insurance policy holder in Louisiana.”

— Jonathan Tapp, FBI Special Agent in Charge

What’s next

Sentencing for Motta, Giles, and Stalbert is scheduled for July 2026. Motta and Giles face up to 20 years in prison for the fraud and witness tampering charges, while the obstruction counts carry a maximum 10-year sentence. Stalbert faces up to five years for her false statements to investigators.

The takeaway

This case highlights the growing problem of staged auto accidents and insurance fraud, which can drive up insurance costs for all consumers. The conviction of these high-profile attorneys and their law firms sends a strong message that such criminal activities will be aggressively prosecuted, even when perpetrated by those within the legal system.