Leah B. Foley United States Attorney for the District of Massachusetts | Department of Justice
A New Bedford couple has been arrested on charges of wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud in connection with their insurance business, BL Insurance Brokerage, LLC. Brendan Lawler, 58, and Lisa Lawler, 45, were taken into custody following allegations that they defrauded clients seeking insurance coverage.
According to the charging documents, between March 2023 and March 2024, the Lawlers collected payments from clients that were intended for insurance providers but allegedly used the funds for personal expenses. The authorities allege that they also created false insurance documents for some clients to make it appear as though coverage was in place. To keep their business operational and conceal the misuse of client funds, the couple reportedly used new client payments to pay overdue balances owed to other insurers.
The alleged scheme involved at least 50 individuals or insurance providers and resulted in more than $700,000 being stolen.
If convicted of wire fraud or conspiracy to commit wire fraud, each defendant faces up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the loss amount. Sentencing will be determined by a federal district court judge according to U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley stated: "United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts Division of Insurance and Insurance Fraud Bureau. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan Cleary of the Criminal Division is prosecuting the case."
Authorities emphasize that all details are allegations at this stage and both defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.
