Louisiana Man Sentenced for Role in Operation Sideswipe

United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced March 30 that Dewayne Coleman, age 22, of Marrero, Louisiana, was sentenced for Conspiracy to Commit Mail Fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371, arising out of staged automobile accidents with tractor-trailers occurring in New Orleans.

According to documents filed in federal court, Coleman,along with his co-defendants, conspired to commit mail fraud in connection with a staged accident occurring on September 6, 2017. Thus far, the total number of defendants convicted in “Operation Sideswipe” is thirty-two (32).

Colemanadmitted that on September 6, 2017, on the I-10 near the Almonaster exit, he was a passenger in co-defendant Erica Lee’s 2015 RAV4 being driven by their former co-defendant, when he intentionally crashedinto a tractor-trailer owned by Averitt Express. After the staged accident, the driver exited the RAV4 and told Erica Lee to get behind the wheel of the RAV4 to make it appear that Erica Lee was driving the vehicle at the time of the staged accident. The defendants contacted the NOPD and falsely claimed that Erica Lee was the driver at the time of the collision. Coleman retained counsel and made a claim for damages. The total settlement for the Averitt accident was $30,000.

On March 26, 2019, Coleman provided false testimony in depositions taken in conjunction with the Thompson Lawsuit. In his deposition, Coleman lied about the September 6, 2017 accident including, but not limited to, who was driving the RAV4 and the extent of their injuries.

United States District Judge Sarah S. Vance sentenced Colemanto 12 months of incarceration, followed by three years supervised release, $ 121,076 in restitution, 100 hours of community service and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.

Source: U.S. Department of Justice

Topics Louisiana