Three people, including a truck driver, were arrested following a Louisiana State Police (LSP) investigation into a suspected staged crash.

On June 3, 2025, LSP announced the arrest of Justin Ledet, 45, of Rayne, Steven Thomas, 38, of Lafayette, and Alfred Onezine, 37, of Breaux Bridge. following several weeks of investigation into a suspected staged crash.

LSP launched an investigation following a complaint from the Louisiana Department of Insurance (LDI) based on a report from a trucking company about suspected fraudulent activity related to a crash that occurred on on January 19, 2025, in Lafayette Parish, Louisiana.

“Investigating Troopers determined that Ledet, Thomas, and Onezine conspired to stage a crash at the intersection of Willow Street and Teurlings Drive in Lafayette. Ledet, while operating the company’s truck, intentionally struck the rear of a Chevrolet Silverado driven by Thomas, who was accompanied by Onezine and three juvenile passengers,” LSP said.

Following the crash, all five occupants of the Chevrolet filed insurance claims for approximately $10 million in damages.

Ledet and Thomas were arrested on May 2 on charges of Automobile Insurance Fraud.

Onezine was arrested on May 29 on three counts of Cruelty to Juveniles and four counts Automobile Insurance Fraud. LSP says that Onezine resisted troopers during his arrest and was additionally charged with Resisting an Officer.

“When individuals try to take advantage of a system that our residents rely on, it can put lives at risk and burden others with the cost. I’m proud of the work our Troopers did alongside the Louisiana Department of Insurance. We will continue working together to make sure those who commit these crimes are held accountable,” said Colonel Robert Hodges, Louisiana State Police Superintendent.

“At a time when Louisiana drivers are already paying the highest auto rates in the nation, these men put three children in harm’s way to try and make a quick buck off our insurance system and the citizens who pay into it. My thanks go out to the LDI Fraud team for their good work in identifying this staged accident scheme and to State Police for their thorough investigation and successful arrests. The LDI and our law enforcement partners remain committed to aggressively pursuing those who commit these types of insurance crimes,” said Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple.