Three men are facing charges after a joint investigation by the Louisiana State Police and the Louisiana Department of Insurance uncovered a staged vehicle collision in Lafayette Parish. The incident, which occurred earlier this year, involved a deliberate crash intended to defraud insurance companies.

The Insurance fraud and Auto Theft Unit (IFAT), operating out of Breaux Bridge, initiated the investigation on March 25, following a complaint from the Department of Insurance. The complaint was prompted by a trucking company that suspected foul play in connection to a crash reported on January 19, 2025, which took place at the intersection of Willow Street and Teurlings Drive.

according to investigators, 45-year-old Justin Ledet of rayne, 38-year-old Steven Thomas of Lafayette, and 37-year-old Alfred Onezine of Breaux Bridge allegedly conspired to orchestrate the crash. Justin Ledet, while driving a company-owned truck, is accused of intentionally hitting the rear of a Chevrolet silverado driven by Steven Thomas. Alfred Onezine and three juvenile passengers were also in the Silverado at the time of the incident.

Following the crash, all five occupants of the Silverado filed insurance claims, with the total potential fraud amounting to nearly $10 million.

Troopers arrested Justin Ledet and Steven Thomas on May 2 for violating Louisiana’s automobile insurance fraud statute (LA R.S.22:1925). Both men were processed and booked into the Lafayette Parish Correctional Center.

Alfred Onezine was apprehended on May 29 on a warrant that included three counts of cruelty to juveniles (LA R.S. 14:93) and four counts of automobile insurance fraud.He also faces a charge of resisting an officer (LA R.S. 14:108) after allegedly resisting arrest. Alfred Onezine was booked into the St. Martin Parish Jail.

Official Statements on the Arrests

“This kind of fraud puts lives at risk and raises costs for everyone,” stated Colonel Robert Hodges, Superintendent of Louisiana state Police.”We’re committed to holding offenders accountable.”

“These men put three children in danger to try and game the system. Louisiana drivers are already paying the highest auto insurance rates in the country-we won’t tolerate this kind of fraud.”

Louisiana Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple added, “These men put three children in danger to try and game the system. louisiana drivers are already paying the highest auto insurance rates in the country-we won’t tolerate this kind of fraud.”

The investigation remains active, and authorities are urging anyone with facts related to insurance fraud to contact Louisiana State Police at lsp.org/ifu or the louisiana Department of Insurance at ldi.la.gov.