March 20, 2026 - Temple Statement on Guilty Verdicts in Staged Accident Trial

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 20, 2026

Temple Statement on Guilty Verdict in Staged Accident Trial

Earlier today, a jury found attorneys Vanessa Motta and Jason Giles guilty on all charges for their roles in the staged accident ring operated out of New Orleans.

Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple's statement on the verdict:

"Justice was served today when two attorneys were found guilty for their roles in the multi-million-dollar staged accident ring out of New Orleans. This trial shows how systemic insurance fraud can be, involving all types of bad actors, from attorneys and medical providers to criminals willing to cause accidents on Louisiana roads. These schemes are not only dangerous-they also drive up the cost of insurance for all drivers. I am committed to working with our law enforcement partners to stop criminals like these and make Louisiana a national leader in the fight against insurance fraud."

Anyone who believes they have been defrauded or witnessed insurance fraud can report their suspicions by phone at (225) 342-4956 or online at https://www.ldi.la.gov/reportfraud.

About the Louisiana Department of Insurance: The Louisiana Department of Insurance works to improve competition in the state's insurance market while assisting individuals and businesses with the information and resources they need to be informed consumers of insurance. As a regulator, the LDI enforces the laws that provide a fair and stable marketplace and makes certain that insurers comply with the laws in place to protect policyholders. You can contact the LDI by downloading our LDIConnect mobile app on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, calling us at 800-259-5300 or visiting www.ldi.la.gov.