MONROE – On September 29, 2026, U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Keller, along with federal, state and local partners, held a press conference to announce federal charges returned by a grand jury against seven defendants in a massive arson-related insurance fraud and money laundering conspiracy. (1) Lashaundalyn Whitlock Brown, 41, of West Monroe, (2) LaQuadra Whitlock, 26, of West Monroe, (3) Latricia Whitlock, 20, of Monroe, (4) Romenique Whitlock, 37, of Monroe, (5) Jonika James, 25, of Monroe, (6) Iesha Alexander, 26, of Monroe, and (7) Travericka Williams, 27, of Dallas, Texas, are charged with Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud, Wire Fraud, and Use of Fire to Commit Federal Felony, with Lashaundalyn, LaQuadra, and Latricia Whitlock further charged with Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering, Concealment Money Laundering, and Structuring. Defendants were arrested on September 23, 2026, and each face decades in federal prison if convicted on all charges, with substantial mandatory minimums as well.

“Setting homes ablaze to allegedly collect fraudulent insurance payouts is a brazen violation of trust,” said Assistant Attorney General Colin M. McDonald of the Department of Justice’s National Fraud Enforcement Division. “Thanks to the outstanding work of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Western District of Louisiana and their federal, state, and local partners, this case is moving forward with charges that hold these defendants accountable for their alleged acts that put innocent lives at risk for profit.” “The audacity, the recklessness, and the greed of these defendants to allegedly turn fire setting into a for-profit operation is staggering. The conspirators charged here fed their greed by putting innocent lives at risk, including those of first responders, and destroyed the hard earned property of others while contributing to higher insurance costs for us all,” said U.

S Attorney Zachary A. Keller. “Our Office, alongside our federal, state, and local partners, are eager to see this matter through to its conclusion and will pursue a full accounting and real justice for those responsible for these alleged crimes.”"The cost to Louisiana policyholders is impossible to calculate," said FBI New Orleans Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Tapp. "But every single one of us pays the price when criminals take advantage of programs meant to help actual victims. There is also real damage done to the businesses who invest in our communities. It is up to the FBI and our partners to investigate fraud and hold individuals accountable to protect everyone across this state."

The indictment alleges that the defendants carried out a years long fraud scheme involving intentionally set residential fires, fraudulent insurance claims, and fraudulent disaster relief claims in the Monroe and West Monroe areas. It is further alleged that between 2019 and 2026, the defendants routinely rented homes, obtained homeowners insurance policies, and then caused approximately 13 fires at those residences. They allegedly submitted false insurance claims seeking payments for fabricated personal property losses and extended stay hotel reimbursements. It is further alleged that the defendants submitted fraudulent relief claims with a national humanitarian organization for which they received cash payments under false pretenses. The indictment provides photos of the fires that reflect the extent of the damage done in furtherance of the scheme, including one photo of a residence ablaze as first responders endangered their lives to control the fire:

FBI

FBI

U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Keller for the Western District of Louisiana made the announcement.

The case was investigated by the FBI, Louisiana State Fire Marshal, the Monroe Fire Department, and the Louisiana State Police.

This case is being prosecuted by U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Keller and Assistant U.

S Attorney Amy J. Miller, with the assistance of Paralegal Specialist Joanne Henry-Mills and Investigator Carl Richard.

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

You may find a copy of this press release (and any updates) on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana at www.justice.gov/usao-wdla.

Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Western District of Louisiana at www.lawd.uscourts.gov or at https://www.lawd.uscourts.gov/cmecf-pacer. The case number for this matter is pending assignment. ###CONTACT:Public Affairs: Cara.

[email protected] States Attorney’s Office: www.justice.gov/usao-wdlaX: @USAO_WDLAFacebook: USAO_WDLA(337) 262-6704