Louisiana Resident Pleads Guilty to Insurance Scam

A Lafayette, La., man has pleaded guilty to staging vehicle accidents in order to defraud insurance companies.

U.S. Attorney Stephanie A. Finley says 44-year-old Oliver Lockett entered the plea Wednesday before U.S. District Judge Richard T. Haik.

Lockett admitted to causing multiple vehicle accidents from 2003 through March 10, 2010. He also admitted to conspiring with others who knew ahead of time there would be a crash. Some of the co-conspirators, Finley said in a news release Thursday, traveled in separate cars behind Lockett and would pose as independent witnesses. As a result, Lockett made numerous claims for property damage and personal injury.

Lockett faces up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

A sentencing date has not been set.