State police alleged that three accidents were staged from September 2011 through May 2012. Six children, ranging in age from 1 to 13 years old were among occupants of the vehicles involved.
LAFAYETTE, La. (AP) - State police say 11 people are suspects in a scheme to make phony injury claims for adults and children in staged automobile accidents.
In a Tuesday news release, state police alleged that three accidents were staged from September 2011 through May 2012. Six children, ranging in age from 1 to 13 years old were among occupants of the vehicles involved.
Each adult involved in the crash filed separate fraudulent bodily injury claims for themselves and the children for whom they were responsible. More than $112,000 was collected.
Investigators booked 43-year-old Farice Daigle Jr., of Arnaudville, with insurance fraud, theft, child endangerment and money laundering. Daigle allegedly arranged the crashes and collected a share of the settlements. As of Tuesday evening, seven others had been arrested. Three were being sought.
Also booked into the Lafayette Parish Correctional Center on Tuesday:
Candice Alex, 27, of Carencro, one count each of insurance fraud, theft over $500 and child endangerment
Chelsie Chevalier, 21, of Baton Rouge, one count each of insurance fraud and theft over $500
Chase Joseph, 24, of Lafayette, one count each of insurance fraud, theft over $500 and child endangerment
Cherita Washington, 24, of Opelousas, one count each of insurance fraud, theft over $500 and child endangerment