Caddo Parish Deputy Arrested for Auto Insurance Fraud by Louisiana State Police

Caddo Parish,Louisiana – A Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office Deputy Faces Insurance Fraud Charges.

Frank Launer III, 50, of Blanchard, Was Arrested On August 11th Following A Louisiana State Police Investigation.

The Investigation Began In May,Triggered By Reports From The louisiana Department Of Insurance Alleging Auto Insurance Fraud. Investigators Steadfast Launer Was Involved In A Car Accident In April While Operating An Uninsured Vehicle.

Subsequently, Launer Allegedly Contacted An Insurance Company To Obtain Coverage And Reported The Incident On The Same Day.

Launer Is Currently Detained At The Caddo Correctional Center, Charged With Automobile insurance Fraud.

Sheriff Henry Whitehorn Released A Statement, Affirming The Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office Does Not Tolerate Such Alleged conduct And Fully Supports The Louisiana State Police’s Ongoing Investigation.

The Louisiana State Police Continues To Investigate The Matter.

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What potential penalties could the Caddo Parish Deputy face if convicted of insurance fraud in Louisiana?

Details of the Arrest & Charges

On August 12, 2025, a Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Deputy was arrested by the Louisiana State Police (LSP) on charges related to auto insurance fraud. The LSP investigation revealed evidence suggesting the deputy intentionally staged a vehicle incident to file a fraudulent claim with their car insurance provider.

The deputy, whose name is currently being withheld pending further investigation, faces multiple charges, including:

Insurance Fraud: A felony offense in Louisiana, carrying potential penalties of imprisonment and significant fines.

Filing a False Police Report: Related to the initial reporting of the staged incident.

Conspiracy to Commit Fraud: If evidence suggests others were involved in the scheme.

the arrest stems from a months-long investigation initiated after discrepancies were identified in a claim filed following a reported motor vehicle accident. Louisiana State Police detectives specializing in fraud investigation uncovered evidence indicating the incident was fabricated.

The Investigation: How the Fraud Was Uncovered

The LSP’s investigation utilized a variety of techniques to expose the alleged fraud. These included:

1. Scene Reconstruction: Investigators meticulously examined the reported accident scene, finding inconsistencies with the deputy’s account.
2. Witness Interviews: Statements from potential witnesses were collected and analyzed, revealing conflicting data.
3. vehicle Damage Assessment: A forensic examination of the vehicles involved determined the damage was not consistent with the described collision.
4. Digital Evidence Review: Analysis of the deputy’s phone records, social media activity, and other digital data played a crucial role in building the case.
5. Insurance Claim Review: A thorough review of the insurance claim itself revealed red flags, prompting further scrutiny.

The LSP emphasized their commitment to pursuing all leads in cases of insurance crime,irrespective of the perpetrator’s position or authority. This case highlights the LSP’s dedication to protecting Louisiana citizens from fraudulent activity.

Potential Penalties for Auto Insurance Fraud in Louisiana

Louisiana takes auto insurance fraud seriously.Penalties can vary depending on the severity of the fraud and the amount of money involved. Here’s a breakdown of potential consequences:

Misdemeanor Fraud (Claims under $1,000): Fines up to $1,000 and/or up to six months in jail.

Felony Fraud (Claims over $1,000): Imprisonment for up to five years and/or fines up to $5,000.

Aggravated Fraud (Large-Scale Schemes): Significantly higher penalties, including extended prison sentences and substantial fines.

Loss of Professional License: For professionals like law enforcement officers, a conviction for fraud can result in the loss of their license and career.

Beyond criminal penalties, individuals convicted of insurance fraud may also face civil lawsuits from insurance companies seeking to recover losses.

Impact on Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office

The arrest has understandably caused concern within the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office.Sheriff Steve Prator released a statement indicating the deputy has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation. the Sheriff’s Office is cooperating fully with the Louisiana State Police.

This incident raises questions about internal oversight and potential vulnerabilities within the department. The Sheriff’s Office has announced a review of its internal policies and procedures to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. maintaining public trust is paramount, and addressing this situation transparently is crucial.

Protecting Yourself from Auto Insurance Fraud

While this case involves a law enforcement officer, auto insurance fraud affects everyone. Here are some ways to protect yourself:

Report Suspicious Activity: If you suspect someone is committing insurance fraud, report it to the Louisiana State Police or your insurance company.

Be Wary of “Too Good to Be True” Offers: Avoid individuals or businesses offering suspiciously low insurance rates or promising guaranteed claim approvals.

Review Your Insurance Statements Carefully: Look for any discrepancies or unauthorized charges.

Understand Your Policy: familiarize yourself with the terms and conditions of your auto insurance policy.

Document Everything: Keep detailed records of any accidents or incidents involving your vehicle.

Resources for Reporting Insurance Fraud

Louisiana State Police Insurance fraud Unit: https://lsp.org/ (Navigate to the Fraud Unit section)

National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB): https://www.nicb.org/

* Louisiana Department of Insurance: https://ldi.la.gov/