Key facts
- A federal jury in New Orleans delivered a split verdict in a fraud and murder trial.
- Sean Alfortish was convicted of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, mail fraud, obstruction of justice, and witness tampering.
- Jurors deadlocked on murder charges against Alfortish and Leon Parker.
- US District Judge Wendy Vitter declared a mistrial on the murder charges.
- Prosecutors plan to retry the murder charges.
A federal jury in New Orleans has returned a split verdict in a major fraud and murder trial, convicting Sean Alfortish on multiple counts of fraud and obstruction of justice but failing to reach a unanimous decision on murder charges. US District Judge Wendy Vitter declared a mistrial on the murder-related charges against Alfortish and Leon "Chunky" Parker, with prosecutors indicating their intent to retry those counts.
Alfortish was found guilty of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, two counts of mail fraud, obstruction of justice, and witness tampering. He was acquitted of another obstruction charge and subornation of perjury. The jury was unable to reach verdicts on charges that Alfortish and Parker conspired to commit murder and retaliated against a witness through murder, specifically concerning the killing of Cornelius Garrison, who was allegedly cooperating with the FBI's investigation into a large-scale staged-accident insurance fraud scheme dubbed "Operation Sideswipe."
Prosecutors accused Alfortish and Parker of orchestrating Garrison's murder after learning he was speaking to federal investigators, with Alfortish allegedly paying Parker to carry out the killing. This scheme has already led to over 63 convictions. Alfortish faces a potential 90-year prison sentence, while Parker, who previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy and mail fraud, faces up to 60 years.
Attorneys for both defendants expressed satisfaction with the outcome on the murder charges. Shaune Clarke, Alfortish's lawyer, stated that the jury did not find the prosecution's evidence sufficient to convict his client of murder. Stephen Haedicke, Parker's attorney, echoed this sentiment, appreciating the jury's decision on the evidence presented.