Allegations Against a Stuntwoman-Turned-Attorney in Fraud Scheme
A former stuntwoman-turned-attorney is facing federal charges after an alleged scheme to stage car crashes and file fraudulent insurance claims and lawsuits in New Orleans, according to federal authorities.
Vanessa Motta, 43, her disbarred lawyer fiancé, Sean Alfortish, and several “slammers” – professional drivers who intentionally collided with 18-wheelers and fled the scene – are among the eight involved in this complex web of deceit, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana.
A Chilling Conspiracy Revealed
In a chilling twist, a getaway driver aided the “slammer” in their escape, ensuring they vanished before anyone could trace their actions. The slammer’s passenger would falsely assert they were in control of the vehicle leading to the crash. This elaborate charade extended to others who acted as witnesses, helping to falsely allocate blame to the truck drivers, according to federal reports.
Amid the turmoil, Motta, who is accused of filing the fraudulent claims following the purported accidents, appeared in court, visibly emotional as she asserted her innocence, pleading not guilty, according to Nola.com.
“If these accidents were in fact staged, my client was also a victim and taken advantage of by others,” said her attorney, Sean Toomey, highlighting the complexities of the situation that plunge into gray areas of morality and legality.
From Stunts to Legal Drama
Motta founded her own law practice, Motta Law, LLC, in 2017, carving a niche for herself in personal injury law. Yet, her career took a dark turn as allegations surfaced. Alongside Alfortish and attorney Jason Giles, who also represented clients in these fraudulent crashes, she saw her law license suspended in December. Together, they faced charges for conspiracy, mail and wire fraud, obstructing justice, and witness tampering.
The indictment unfolded a sordid tale involving other defendants, including Leon “Chunky” Parker, Diaminke Stalbert, Carl Morgan, Timara Lawrence, and Ryan “Red” Harris, revealing how this network operated under the guise of legitimate law practice.
Motta, in her previous life as a stuntwoman, brought impressive credits to her name, having worked on blockbusters like *Jurassic World*, *Furious 7*, and *Dawn of the Planet of the Apes*, displaying an adaptability that made her success all the more poignant in the face of these allegations.
In a tragic twist, one alleged “slammer,” Harris, is accused of murdering his former accomplice Cornelius Garrison to silence him, deepening the shadows cast upon this conspiracy. Garrison had been cooperating with federal investigators prior to his murder in September 2020, painting a grim picture of desperation and betrayal.
Unraveling the Shadows of ‘Operation Sideswipe’
The investigation, dubbed “Operation Sideswipe,” laid bare the underbelly of this scheme, ultimately leading to charges against 50 individuals, a web of deceit stretching far beyond a singular incident. Only one attorney, Danny Keating Jr., has faced conviction thus far and awaits sentencing, while two key figures, Parker and Alfortish, currently serve time. Alfortish allegedly orchestrated efforts to manipulate and threaten Garrison, proposing to pay him or relocate him far away, a haunting reminder of the lengths individuals might go to protect their interests.
Amidst these allegations, Motta remains free, having secured release on a $25,000 bond. Giles secured a $100,000 bond, while the legal battles seem far from over. Both face the daunting task of defending their actions as the specter of regret looms large, serving as a cautionary tale on the dramatic shifts from Hollywood glamor to courtroom drama.
In a stark contrast to her past portrayals as a “stuntwoman turned bad-a– attorney,” this situation invites contemplation. It raises questions about the duality of human nature and the fractures that can occur when ambition veils ethical considerations. Will her story become a lesson in caution or a cautionary tale compelling others to reconsider their paths?
