Disclaimer: All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty. NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — A New Orleans man has pled guilty to murder and two other charges in connection to an investigation into staged crashes which resulted in charges being filed against eight people and two law firms back in December, 2024. According to court filings from the U.S. Department of Justice, 36-year-old Ryan Harris, aka "Red," pled guilty to conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, wire fraud and causing death through the use of a firearm. Officials say Harris admitted to being a "slammer" in a scheme with alleged co-conspirators intentionally staging vehicle crashes in New Orleans. As a slammer, Harris reportedly hit 18-wheeler tractor-trailers and other commercial vehicles before fleeing the scene. One dead following Harvey shooting DOJ documents report that a passenger would then falsely claim to have been the driver during the collision, submitting a false insurance claim and being represented by attorneys who were allegedly also part of the scheme. Harris also reportedly admitted to aiding and abetting the murder of Cornelius Garrison, a slammer who was secretly cooperating with federal agents since July of 2019. Garrison was shot outside of his New Orleans home on Sept. 22, 2020. For the charges of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, and wire fraud, Harris faces the following charges: A maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, a fine of up to $250,000, or twice the gross gain or twice the gross loss to any person, up to three years of supervised release and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. Thibodaux man arrested following drug bust For the charge of causing death through the use of a firearm, Harris faces further charges, which consist of: A maximum term of life imprisonment or death, a fine of up to $250,000, or twice the gross gain or twice the gross loss to any person, up to five years of supervised release and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. In his plea agreement, Harris and the government agreed to a sentence of 35 years in prison. His sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 23. Stay up to date with the latest news, weather and sports by downloading the WGNO app on the Apple or Google Play stores and by subscribing to the WGNO newsletter. Latest Posts Louisiana Remembers Matthew Tenedorio Man pleads guilty to murder in New Orleans staged crashes case Mud, debris slide splits hillside home that survived Palisades Fire in half Biden won't enforce TikTok ban, official says, leaving fate of app to Trump Southern California native paid off mortgage day before Eaton Fire consumed home