Ex-Attorney Sean Alfortish Linked to Murdered Witness in Fraud Case

NEW ORLEANS — In a dramatic development in federal court Wednesday, Sean Alfortish, a former attorney and magistrate judge, waived his detention hearing as prosecutors prepared to present evidence linking him to the 2020 murder of Cornelius Garrison, a key witness in a staged accident fraud case. Alfortish, 57, has been in custody since surrendering on Dec. 11, 2024.

Garrison, a professional accident stager known as a “slammer,” was allegedly involved in recruiting participants to stage car accidents with 18-wheelers to collect fraudulent insurance payouts. Prosecutors claim Alfortish worked closely with Garrison to orchestrate these schemes, sometimes with Garrison behind the wheel.

According to court documents, Alfortish and another attorney, Danny Motta, sought to silence Garrison as the federal investigation into the fraud scheme intensified. Prosecutors allege Alfortish offered Garrison $500,000 to take the fall for the staged accidents and even proposed relocating him to the Bahamas to evade authorities.

Alfortish’s attorney, Shaun Clarke, previously argued that his client should not be detained, stating, “Mr. Garrison’s death was tragic, but Sean Alfortish is not charged with his murder.” However, Alfortish’s decision to waive his detention hearing suggests new evidence may have influenced his legal strategy.

The case has seen multiple indictments since 2019, with nine new defendants charged in December 2024, including high-profile attorneys Danny Motta and Jason Giles. Leon “Chunky” Parker, another defendant, is being held without bail due to his alleged connection to Garrison’s murder. Ryan Harris, the alleged triggerman, has been in custody since his arrest in May 2024.

This is not Alfortish’s first legal trouble. He previously served over two years in prison for rigging an election to remain president of the Horseman’s Benevolent and Protective Association and misusing the organization’s funds for personal luxuries. His law license was revoked following the conviction.

The case highlights the intersection of legal corruption and violent crime, with prosecutors alleging that the fraud scheme spiraled into murder as participants sought to protect their illicit gains. The investigation, which began six years ago, continues to uncover new layers of criminal activity.