Former Louisiana Police Officer, 2 Others Face Insurance Fraud Charges

A former Shreveport, La., police officer and two others have surrendered to authorities on warrants charging them with fraud in the alleged theft of a vehicle.

State police say Aisha Barnes, Kaneesha Knuckles and Thomas Williams were arrested and booked with one count of insurance fraud.

Investigators say Barnes, while employed as a police officer, reported that her 2008 Chevrolet Trail Blazer had been stolen, contacted her automobile insurance carrier and filed a claim seeking restitution.

Authorities say the Trail Blazer later was located engulfed in flames in rural Caddo Parish.

Troopers tell The Times Barnes, Williams, her brother, and Knuckles allegedly conspired to have the vehicle stolen and burned in an effort to defraud the insurance company of money.