Lafayette resident Oliver Lockett, 44, pleaded guilty Wednesday before U.S. District Judge Richard T. Haik to staging auto accidents in order to defraud insurance companies.
Lafayette resident Oliver Lockett, 44, pleaded guilty Wednesday before U.S. District Judge Richard T. Haik to staging auto accidents in order to defraud insurance companies.
According to evidence presented at the guilty plea in federal court, Lockett admitted to causing multiple vehicle accidents from 2003 until March 10, 2010. He also admitted to conspiring with others who would serve as guest passengers, knowing ahead of time there would be a crash.
Some of the co-conspirators traveled in separate cars behind Lockett and would pose as independent witnesses. The U.S. attorney's office says Lockett made numerous claims to insurance companies for property damage and personal injury.
Lockett faces up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release, a $250,000 fine, and restitution for the wire fraud count.
A sentencing date was not set.