The U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Criminal Division of the U.S. Department of Justice announced a thirteen-count second superseding indictment returned by a grand jury on April 25, 2025. The indictment is linked to a scheme staging automobile collisions in New Orleans and introduces murder charges against two individuals.
According to the indictment, Sean D. Alfortish, 57, and Leon M. Parker, also known as "Chunky," 51, allegedly conspired to kill federal witness Cornelius Garrison, who was cooperating with the FBI before his murder on September 22, 2020. Ryan J. Harris, a former co-defendant, confessed in January 2025 to charges including causing death with a firearm.
The indictment further accuses Alfortish; Parker; Vanessa Motta, 43; Motta Law, LLC; Jason F. Giles, 46; The King Firm, LLC; Diamnike F. Stalbert, 34; Carl Morgan, 66; and Timara N. Lawrence, 34, of organizing fraudulent staged collisions to defraud insurers and trucking firms. Participants, including Cornelius Garrison, staged these accidents in the New Orleans area, later filing false insurance claims.
Count One charges the accused with conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, with penalties up to twenty years in prison, supervised release, and fines. Counts Two and Three charge Giles, The King Firm, Alfortish, Motta, Motta Law, and Parker with mail fraud. Additional counts charge obstruction of justice and witness tampering, each carrying terms of imprisonment and fines.
Counts Nine to Thirteen focus on Garrison's murder. Alfortish and Parker face charges of conspiracy and retaliation against a witness, resulting in potential life imprisonment.
The indictment is part of a broader investigation with sixty-three defendants charged. Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson stressed the presumption of innocence for defendants until proven guilty.
Acknowledgment was given to the FBI, New Orleans Police Department, and Louisiana State Police for their assistance. The case is prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew R. Payne, Brian M. Klebba, Mary Katherine Kaufman, and Trial Attorney J. Ryan McLaren.
