Story perspectives

Attorneys Convicted in 18-Wheeler Fraud Scheme

3/21/2026

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Summary

Story summary

A federal jury in New Orleans convicted attorneys Jason Giles and Vanessa Motta of staging collisions with 18-wheelers for fraudulent settlements.
Diaminike Stalbert was found guilty of making false statements.
Prosecutors say the attorneys paid individuals to crash into trucks.
Defense attorneys argued the actions were not criminal.
The case is part of Operation Sideswipe, with over 50 related convictions in Louisiana; sentencing is scheduled for July.

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Story summary

A federal jury in New Orleans convicted attorneys Jason Giles and Vanessa Motta of staging collisions with 18-wheelers for fraudulent settlements.
Diaminike Stalbert was found guilty of making false statements.
Prosecutors say the attorneys paid individuals to crash into trucks.
Defense attorneys argued the actions were not criminal.
The case is part of Operation Sideswipe, with over 50 related convictions in Louisiana; sentencing is scheduled for July.