9 Accused of Staging Auto Wrecks in Louisiana

Nine people have been arrested in the Lafayette, La.-area and accused of staging auto wrecks to collect insurance proceeds.

State police say the allegations include preparing and submitting fake medical bills, claiming pre-existing damage on vehicles and exaggerating injuries. Troopers say that in some cases, the suspects staged crashes using their own vehicles. One used a vehicle borrowed from a family member, while another used a rented vehicle.

The charges range from insurance fraud to felony theft. If convicted of insurance fraud, the maximum penalty is five years in jail and a $5,000 fine. If found guilty of felony theft, the person faces up to five years behind bars and a fine of up to $2,000.

All of the suspects were arrested on April 5.