NEW ORLEANS — Sean Alfortish, a disbarred attorney previously convicted for fraud in the horse racing industry, was arrested in connection with a massive federal fraud case involving fake trucking accidents and bogus lawsuit settlements. Alfortish, 57, appeared in federal court wearing street clothes, handcuffs, and shackles, where prosecutors read his indictment on charges of fraud, witness tampering, and obstruction of justice.
Alfortish is one of 10 defendants named in a superseding indictment unsealed on Monday. His arrest followed an early morning visit from federal agents to his Lake Vista home, but he was not present at the time. His arrest contrasts with two accident attorneys, including his fiancée, Vanessa Motta, who were indicted but allowed to respond to a summons. Jason Giles, another attorney indicted in the case, faces charges alongside his law firm, The King Firm.
The case, known as “Operation Sideswipe,” has led to approximately 50 guilty pleas out of 61 defendants, most of whom were low-level participants in the scheme. Some admitted to staging fake injuries and undergoing unnecessary surgeries to increase the chances of large settlement payouts.
Alfortish’s indictment marks a significant development in the case, which has been ongoing for over five years. Previously, Danny Patrick Keating was the only attorney charged in the scheme, pleading guilty in exchange for cooperation. However, recent indictments also connected the case to a murder of a federal witness, though prosecutors have not publicly linked Alfortish to the crime.
Motta, a Hollywood stuntwoman-turned-lawyer, faces charges alongside her firm, Motta Law, LLC. She allegedly filed lawsuits for many of the fake accident victims. Another defendant, Leon “Chunky” Parker, was also indicted on charges of fraud and obstruction of justice.
Alfortish’s arraignment is scheduled for Friday, where prosecutors will argue for his continued detention without bail.
