State Fire Marshal investigation leads to six arrests in Ouachita Parish insurance fraud case

WAFB, By Destiney Sutton, May 7, 2026

Officials say claims span nearly a decade; more arrests possible as investigation continues

OUACHITA PARISH, La. (KNOE) – A multi-agency investigation led by the Louisiana Office of State Fire Marshal’s (OSFM) Fire Investigations Unit has resulted in six arrests connected to suspected fraudulent insurance claims originating in Ouachita Parish, officials said.

OSFM said it was contacted on March 18, 2026, by the Louisiana Department of Insurance after investigators flagged multiple suspicious claims tied to a common group of individuals. LDI said it began investigating the claims in coordination with the National Insurance Crime Bureau.

After receiving the referral, OSFM investigators said they reviewed records and requested additional documentation related to insurance claims spanning nearly a decade.

Through multiple search warrants, along with the collection of digital evidence and witness statements, investigators said they found probable cause to identify several people believed to be involved in insurance fraud, identity theft, and related crimes.

Authorities said the following suspects were arrested today with assistance from Louisiana State Police Troop F and the Region 3 Criminal Investigations Division, along with Louisiana Probation and Parole:

  • Jaylen Whitlock, 22 - Insurance fraud (1 count), Felony theft over $25,000 (1 count)
  • Latrícia Whitlock, 19 - Insurance fraud (1 count)
  • Laquadra Whitlock Brown, 25 - Insurance fraud (7 counts), Computer fraud (5 counts), Identity theft (3 counts), Money laundering (1 count), Forgery (1 count), Felony theft over $25,000 (8 counts)
  • Lashaundalyn Whitlock, 40 - Insurance fraud (8 counts), Computer fraud (5 counts), Identity theft (3 counts), Forgery (5 counts), Felony theft over $25,000 (5 counts)
  • Romenique Whitlock, 37 - Insurance fraud (1 count), Felony theft over $25,000 (1 count)
  • Terrence Mays, 27 - Insurance fraud (1 count), Felony theft over $2,000 (1 count)

Officials note that the investigation remains active and additional arrests or charges are possible as investigators continue reviewing evidence and conducting interviews.

OSFM urged anyone with information about the case or similar suspected fraud to come forward.

Officials said any tips can be reported anonymously to OSFM or LDI.

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