Brendan Lawler and Lisa Lawler, a married couple from New Bedford, pleaded guilty on March 25 in federal court in Boston to conspiracy to commit wire fraud. The case involves a scheme where the Lawlers defrauded individuals seeking insurance coverage through their business, BL Insurance Brokerage, LLC. Sentencing is scheduled for July 22.
The plea comes after prosecutors charged the couple by criminal complaint in August 2025. According to court documents, from March 2023 through March 2024, the Lawlers collected insurance payments from clients that were intended for insurance providers but instead used those funds for personal purposes. To conceal their actions and continue operating their business, they used incoming client payments to pay off outstanding balances owed to other clients’ insurers.
Authorities say the couple also created and distributed false insurance documents suggesting that clients were properly insured when they were not. In total, at least 50 individuals or organizations lost more than $750,000 as a result of this scheme.
Members of the public who believe they may be victims or have relevant information are encouraged to fill out an online form with law enforcement.
The charge carries a maximum sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine up to $250,000 or twice the gain or loss involved. Sentences will be determined by U.S. District Court Judge Myong J. Joun based on federal guidelines and statutes.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Ted E. Docks of the Federal Bureau of Investigation announced the plea agreement. Assistance was provided by state agencies including the Massachusetts Division of Insurance.
