Recent Orleans Staged Accident Scheme: Attorneys and ‘Slammers’ Face Justice
A long-running scheme to stage automobile accidents, primarily involving 18-wheelers, in New Orleans is nearing its conclusion with several convictions and ongoing legal battles. The operation, dubbed “Operation Sideswipe,” involved a network of individuals who intentionally caused collisions to file fraudulent insurance claims, often in collusion with attorneys.
The Rise of the ‘Slammers’
The practice of staging accidents dates back to at least 2010, with individuals known as “slammers” actively seeking out collisions with large trucks. Damian Labeaud, a key figure in the scheme, testified that these individuals would gather under the Claiborne Avenue overpass to coordinate and “broker seats” in vehicles destined to crash. Participants could choose their own lawyer if they paid the slammers directly, or be directed to attorneys willing to pay for the staged incidents.
Labeaud described the process as an “office meeting,” where money changed hands before the crashes occurred. He detailed his own progression within the scheme, starting as a passenger, then a “runner,” a “spotter,” and eventually a “slammer.”
Key Players and Legal Connections
Labeaud’s testimony identified Jason Giles as a central attorney involved in the scheme, initially working at the Womac Law Firm before forming The King Firm with two other attorneys. Labeaud testified that Giles was aware the collisions were staged from their first meeting in 2015. They negotiated rates of $1,000 per passenger involved in an 18-wheeler accident and $500 for regular staged accidents.
Another attorney, Danny Patrick Keating Jr., was also implicated, with Labeaud agreeing to send cases to Keating in 2017. Keating has previously pleaded guilty to a conspiracy charge related to the scheme as reported by WDSU.
A Dangerous Operation
The scheme wasn’t without risk. Cornelius Garrison, another alleged “slammer,” was murdered in September 2020, allegedly to prevent his cooperation with the FBI according to WWL-TV. Sean Alfortish, a disbarred attorney and the ex-partner of Vanessa Motta, and Leon “Chunky” Parker have been charged in connection with Garrison’s murder and are awaiting trial.
Modus Operandi and Earnings
Labeaud detailed the tactics used to stage the accidents, including coordinating with a “spotter” to control traffic and positioning vehicles to collide with tractor-trailers. He emphasized the importance of avoiding ambulances and preparing passengers to falsely claim injuries. He estimated earning close to $1 million from the scheme over the years, spending the money on luxury items.
Labeaud testified that the scheme continued despite the increasing risks, with a constant stream of individuals seeking payment for their participation. He also revealed that he was employed as a gofer by The King Firm and occasionally purchased cocaine for another partner, Anthony Milazzo, who has not been charged.
Current Status and Ongoing Trials
Damian Labeaud pleaded guilty to a wire fraud conspiracy more than five years ago and is awaiting sentencing as stated by the Department of Justice. His testimony is central to the trial of Jason Giles and Vanessa Motta, who are accused of parallel schemes to profit from fraudulent lawsuits. U.S. District Judge Wendy Vitter has set an August trial date for the defendants accused in Garrison’s murder.