NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) – On Friday, a federal jury found prominent injury attorneys Vanessa Motta and Jason Giles guilty on numerous charges stemming from an alleged staged accident scheme, and both were subsequently taken into federal custody while awaiting sentencing.
Federal prosecutors explained that the case revolved around a scheme where individuals, referred to as “slammers,” deliberately caused collisions with 18-wheelers. This allowed participants to file lawsuits and seek insurance payouts. Prosecutors contended that Motta and Giles profited from these staged wrecks through their legal practices.
U.S. District Judge Wendy Vitter announced the verdict after jurors deliberated for more than five hours on Friday.
Giles was convicted of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, mail fraud, obstruction of justice, and witness tampering. Motta received convictions for conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, two counts of mail fraud, obstruction of justice, and witness tampering.
Stalbert was acquitted of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud but was found guilty of making false statements to federal agents.
The King Firm was found guilty of mail fraud, obstruction of justice, and witness tampering. Motta Law LLC was convicted on two counts of mail fraud, obstruction of justice, and witness tampering.
Prosecutors asserted that this was not a victimless offense, highlighting that truck drivers who lost employment were victims, as were Louisiana motorists burdened by elevated insurance premiums.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Simpson described the case as “a prime illustration of how detrimental lawyers can become, contrary to their professional duty” and “a stark demonstration of the consequences when legal professionals disregard ethical and responsibility guidelines.”
The courtroom became highly emotional following the verdict announcement. Motta’s mother collapsed, leading Motta to cry out, “Mommy! Mommy!” until paramedics arrived. The mother eventually regained consciousness, and Motta embraced her.
Subsequently, Motta appeared to experience dry heaves or vomit inside the courtroom, displaying clear emotional distress as the proceedings carried on.
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Once the jurors had been dismissed, Judge Vitter deliberated on whether the convicted individuals should be allowed to remain at liberty until their sentencing.
Motta’s lawyer requested her release on bond, subject to home confinement and electronic monitoring, asserting she posed no flight risk or community danger and citing her family circumstances. Vitter dismissed this argument, stating that the case was “far from a standard fraud case.”
The judge observed that Motta had already breached her bond terms and remarked, “I have no basis to consider her naive in any way” and “I am convinced she was fully aware of her actions at all times.” Consequently, she ordered Motta to be held until sentencing.
Giles’ legal representative petitioned the court for his release until sentencing, enabling him to finalize affairs for various businesses he had managed outside of his legal practice.
Vitter denied this request, stating that the evidence demonstrated “unequivocally” that Giles was aware of the investigation when he reached out to witnesses. She added that claiming Giles was unaware he was a target was “disrespectful to this court.”
Judge Vitter additionally noted that Giles attempted to bribe investigators to “resolve the situation quickly,” and she expressed concern regarding his available resources and their intended use.
Vitter subsequently ordered Giles to be held in custody.
Stalbert’s lawyer contended that her false statements conviction pertained solely to her remarks to the FBI, not to any witness, and argued she posed no threat to the community or other witnesses. Vitter confirmed her release would be conditional.
Giles remained mostly composed during the verdict’s reading. His attorney, Lynda Van Davis, attributed this to his background as a trial lawyer but described the outcome as disheartening.
“Realistically, the actions of the ‘stagers’ and ‘slammers’ were horrific, truly awful, and I believe there was a general consensus that all participants deserved punishment,” stated Davis. “My key point of disagreement is my conviction that my client was unaware of the specifics in those particular cases.”
Outside the courthouse, Jeff Brockton, Motta’s child’s father, expressed his agreement with the verdict and his readiness for his family to progress.
“Currently, my primary concern is my daughter. We are dealing with an individual who has undeniably committed a crime, and the jury has rendered a guilty verdict,” Brockton stated.
Sentencing dates have been scheduled: Motta and Motta Law for July 7, Giles and The King Firm for July 14, and Stalbert for July 21.
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