New Orleans Woman Guilty of Staged Automobile Accident Conspiracy

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that SHIRLEY HARRIS (“HARRIS”), age 38, of New Orleans, pled guilty on February 20, 2024,  to Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371.  Today’s guilty plea brings the total number of defendants convicted in “Operation Sideswipe” to 48.

According to court documents, HARRIS, and others, conspired to fraudulently stage an automobile collision to obtain money. HARRIS, Antoine Clark “Clark,” and other co-conspirators intentionally collided with a tractor-trailer on April 24, 2017, in the area of Interstate 10 near the Crowder Boulevard exit in New Orleans. HARRIS and Clark made false police reports, filed fraudulent lawsuits, lied during deposition testimony, and sought unnecessary medical treatment to further their fraudulent claims. As part of her plea agreement, HARRIS agreed to pay $10,000.00 in restitution to the insurance company. The Honorable Sarah S. Vance set sentencing in this matter for June 12, 2024.

HARRIS faces a maximum penalty of five (5) years of imprisonment; up to three (3) years of supervised release; and a fine of up to $250,000.00. A $100 mandatory special assessment fee is also applicable.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office would like to acknowledge the assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Louisiana State Police, and the Metropolitan Crime Commission with this matter. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Maria Carboni, and Edward Rivera of the Financial Crimes Unit, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba, Supervisor of the Financial Crimes Unit.