Lafayette Resident Pleads Guilty To Part In Vehicle Insurance Fraud Scam

LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that 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.  He also admitted to conspiring with others who would serve as guest passengers who knew ahead of time there would be a crash.  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.

The Louisiana State Police conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney James T. McManus is prosecuting the case.