Lafayette, Louisiana — Louisiana State Police have arrested three men following an extensive investigation into a suspected staged crash and insurance fraud scheme that could have cost insurance companies up to $10 million. The probe, led by the Insurance Fraud and Auto Theft Unit (IFAT) at the Breaux Bridge Field Office, began after a suspicious crash was reported in Lafayette Parish earlier this year.
According to officials, the investigation was launched on March 25, 2025, after the Louisiana Department of Insurance (LDI) received a tip from a trucking company about a possible fraudulent crash. The incident in question occurred on January 19, 2025, at the intersection of Willow Street and Teurlings Drive in Lafayette.
Investigators allege that Justin Ledet, 45, of Rayne, Steven Thomas, 38, of Lafayette, and Alfred Onezine, 37, of Breaux Bridge, conspired to intentionally stage the crash. Ledet, driving a company truck, reportedly rear-ended a Chevrolet Silverado driven by Thomas. Onezine and three juveniles were passengers in the Silverado at the time of the crash.
Following the incident, all five occupants of the Silverado filed insurance claims against the trucking company, collectively seeking approximately $10 million in damages. Authorities say this prompted deeper scrutiny by both state police and insurance regulators.
On May 2, 2025, Ledet and Thomas were arrested and charged with violating Louisiana Revised Statute 22:1925, which covers automobile insurance fraud. Both were booked into the Lafayette Parish Correctional Center without incident.
Onezine was arrested on May 29, 2025, on a warrant for three counts of cruelty to juveniles and four counts of automobile insurance fraud. During his arrest, Onezine allegedly resisted officers and was also charged with resisting an officer under Louisiana Revised Statute 14:108. He was booked into the St. Martin Parish Jail.
Authorities highlighted the seriousness of the situation, especially because juveniles were involved in the alleged scheme. Louisiana State Police Superintendent Colonel Robert Hodges emphasized the impact such crimes have on the community, stating, “When individuals try to take advantage of a system that our residents rely on, it can put lives at risk and burden others with the cost. I’m proud of the work our Troopers did alongside the Louisiana Department of Insurance. We will continue working together to make sure those who commit these crimes are held accountable.”
Louisiana Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple also commented on the case, noting, “At a time when Louisiana drivers are already paying the highest auto rates in the nation, these men put three children in harm’s way to try and make a quick buck off our insurance system and the citizens who pay into it. My thanks go out to the LDI Fraud team for their good work in identifying this staged accident scheme and to State Police for their thorough investigation and successful arrests. The LDI and our law enforcement partners remain committed to aggressively pursuing those who commit these types of insurance crimes.”
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities have not ruled out further charges or arrests.
Staged crashes are deliberately planned incidents designed to defraud insurance companies by filing false claims for injuries or vehicle damage. These schemes can drive up insurance rates for all drivers and often involve significant legal consequences for those involved.
Anyone with information related to this ongoing investigation is encouraged to contact the Louisiana State Police or the Louisiana Department of Insurance.
An arrest is an indication that probable cause exists to believe the subject was involved in the offense alleged. All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.