Louisiana Man Pleads Guilty in Staged Automobile Collision Scheme

Louisiana – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced on April 28, 2022, that David Brown (“Brown”), age 50, of Morgan City, Louisiana pled guilty on April 27, 2022 to Count One of his indictment, charging him with Conspiracy to Commit Mail Fraud in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371. By pleading guilty to Count 1, the defendant faces a maximum penalty of five years imprisonment; a term of supervised release of up to three years; and a fine of up to $250,000.00, as well as a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00. Today’s guilty plea brings the total number of defendants convicted in Operation Sideswipe to 37.

Brown falsely claimed to be a passenger in a car that was hit by a tractor-trailer on May 11, 2017, according to court documents. In fact, the defendant and Damian Labeaud (“Labeaud”), Mario Solomon (“Solomon”), and others conspired to intentionally collide with a tractor-trailer near Chef Menteur Highway and Downman Road in New Orleans. Following the intentional collision, Brown falsely informed NOPD officers on the scene that he was driving the vehicle and that the tractor-trailer was to blame. Brown also filed a bogus lawsuit and lied during a deposition. This scheme resulted in the tractor-trailer insurance company paying more than $140,000.00 in settlement funds for the May 11, 2017 collision.

The Honorable Jane Triche Milazzo set sentencing in this matter for July 27, 2022.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office acknowledged 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 M. Carboni; Brian M. Klebba, Chief of the Financial Crimes Unit; Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward Rivera; and Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon S. Long.