Oliver Lockett, 44, of Lafayette, pleaded guilty Wednesday before U.S. District Judge Richard T. Haik to staging vehicle accidents in order to defraud insurance companies.
According to evidence presented at the guilty plea, Lockett admitted to causing multiple vehicle accidents from 2003 until March 10, 2010, the U.S. Attorney’s Office reports. He also admitted to conspiring with others who would serve as guest passengers who knew ahead of time there would be a crash.
http://liarcatchers.com/insurance_fraud.html
Some of the co-conspirators traveled in separate cars behind Lockett and would pose as independent witnesses. As a result, the defendant made numerous claims to insurance companies for property damage and personal injury.
Lockett faces up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release, a $250,000 fine and restitution for the wire fraud count. A sentencing date was not set.
