Agents from the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation, under Attorney General Liz Murrill, have arrested two Baton Rouge residents on charges related to insurance fraud. The couple is accused of attempting to defraud an insurance company out of about $30,000.
The investigation began after the Louisiana Department of Insurance referred allegations of insurance fraud to the Bureau. Authorities say that Rhashiedi Porter, 48, and Sarai Stansberry, 37, allegedly filed a false claim regarding a minor parking lot accident.
According to investigators, Porter and Stansberry gave sworn testimony stating they were seat-belted in their vehicle when another car struck them. They also claimed injuries that required more than five months of medical treatment. However, surveillance video obtained by the insurance company reportedly showed neither person was inside the vehicle at the time of the accident. After this footage surfaced, both individuals voluntarily dismissed their lawsuit.
Investigators collected video evidence and other materials during their inquiry. They concluded that Porter and Stansberry intentionally submitted a false claim in an attempt to defraud the insurer for approximately $30,000.
Based on these findings, arrest warrants were secured through Orleans Parish District Court for charges including insurance fraud and perjury. On February 23rd, authorities arrested Porter and Stansberry in New Orleans and booked them into Orleans Parish Jail on charges including L.R.S. 22:1924 Insurance Fraud; L.R.S. 14:123 Perjury; L.R.S. 14:126 False Swearing; and L.R.S. 14:133 Filing False Public Records.
Bond information has not been released at this time. The investigation remains ongoing.
“All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.”
The Louisiana Department of Justice serves as the state’s main legal office under an independently elected attorney general who provides statewide services according to its official website. The agency works to protect constitutional rights for citizens and preserve state culture through legal action as described online. Liz Murrill leads the department as attorney general according to official information.