A Massachusetts couple has been arrested and charged in connection with an alleged scheme involving their business, BL Insurance Brokerage, LLC. Federal prosecutors claim that Brendan Lawler, 58, and Lisa Lawler, 45 collected payments from clients seeking insurance coverage but failed to forward the money to insurance providers. Instead, it is alleged that the funds were diverted for their own purposes and to cover other outstanding obligations, giving the appearance that clients were properly insured.
It is alleged that to conceal the theft of client funds and to keep their company BL Insurance in business, the Lawlers used client funds to pay balances due to other clients’ insurers. The Lawlers also allegedly created and distributed insurance documents to the clients that gave the impression the clients were insured. Authorities allege that the scheme spanned from March 2023 to March 2024 and defrauded at least 50 individuals or companies and resulting in more than $700,000 in alleged losses.
Wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud are both federal crimes that carry significant penalties, including up to 20 years in prison, 3 years supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000, or twice the loss to the victim. Insurance fraud and wire fraud allegations often involve complex financial records, electronic communications, and testimony from multiple witnesses. Because of this, defendants in such cases face not only the weight of federal charges but also the power of agencies that specialize in rooting out fraud. For anyone accused of a white-collar crime, the process can feel overwhelming, with investigators moving quickly to gather evidence while prosecutors push for maximum penalties.
When allegations involve financial deception and the misuse of client funds, investigators and prosecutors dedicate substantial resources to building their cases. In this instance, the FBI, the Massachusetts Division of Insurance, and the Insurance Fraud Bureau worked together to uncover and pursue the charges.
If you or someone you know is facing allegations of insurance fraud, wire fraud, or any related white-collar crime, it is critical to have experienced legal representation on your side as early as possible. A knowledgeable criminal defense attorney can protect your rights, analyze the evidence, and guide you through the complexities of federal court proceedings. Allegations alone can damage reputations and livelihoods.
At Dhar Law, LLP, we are award-winning white collar criminal defense attorneys who have a client-focused reputation. Our clients attest that we fight for them every step of the way and help them navigate an extremely difficult time with tough representation that analyses the evidence and holds the prosecution and law enforcement accountable. Contact us at (617) 880-6155 and a member of our experienced Massachusetts criminal defense team today to find out how we can represent you or someone you know who is accused of a serious federal crime.
