Three Individuals Plead to Staged Automobile Accident Conspiracy

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that both DIMITRI FRAZIER (“FRAZIER”), age 31, of Westwego, Louisiana; ADONTE TURNER (“A. TURNER”), age 25, of New Orleans; and TIFFANY TURNER (“T. TURNER”), age 52, also of New Orleans, pled guilty on January 10, 2024 to Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371. January 10^th’s guilty pleas bring the total number of defendants convicted in “Operation Sideswipe” to 47.

According to court documents, on November 13, 2017, FRAZIER, A. TURNER, and T. TURNER intentionally struck a tractor-trailer in the area of Interstate 10 near Paris Road in New Orleans. FRAZIER, A. TURNER, and T. TURNER made false police reports, filed fraudulent lawsuits, lied during deposition testimony, and sought unnecessary medical treatment in furtherance of their fraud .

These defendants face up to five (5) years of imprisonment, up to three (3) years of supervised release, and up to a fine of up to $250,000.00.  A $100 mandatory special assessment fee is also applicable. The Honorable Sarah S. Vance set sentencing for April 10, 2024.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office would like to acknowledge the assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Louisiana State Police, and the Metropolitan Crime Commission with this matter. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria Carboni, Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward Rivera, all of the Financial Crimes Unit, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba, Supervisor of the Financial Crimes Unit.