PLAQUEMINES PARISH SHERIFF “JIFF” HINGLE AND CONTRACTOR CONVICTED IN BRIBERY SCHEME
An investigation by the MCC of Plaquemines Parish Sheriff Irvin “Jiff” Hingle led to a probe by the FBI that found an illicit relationship existed between Hingle and vendor Aaron Bennett of Benetech, LLC. Bennett reportedly provided gifts to Hingle Bennett was previously part of an IT contract scandal in New Orleans involving Anthony Jones, Greg Meffert, and Mark St. Pierre. Bennett was also found to be providing gifts to former Mayor Ray Nagin in return for contracts with the city. Bennett pled guilty to federal bribery and conspiracy charges in his role in providing bribes to Sheriff Hingle. Hingle pled guilty to conspiracy to commit mail fraud and bribery. Hingle was sentenced to 46 months imprisonment and Bennett was sentenced to 15 months imprisonment.
US Attorney’s Press Release – Irvin -Jiff- Hingle Guilty Plea – October 5, 2011
US Attorney’s Press Release – Aaron Bennett Guilty Plea – October 14, 2011
MCC COMPLAINT RESULTS IN ETHICS CHARGES AGAINST FORMER JEFFERSON PARISH PRESIDENT AARON BROUSSARD AND FORMER CAO TIM WHITMER
Following an MCC referral in January of 2010, former Jefferson Parish President Aaron Broussard and Chief Administrative Officer Timothy Whitmer had charges filed against them by the Louisiana Ethics Board on December 17, 2010. Broussard and Whitmer were accused of receiving insurance commissions for contracts held with public agencies operated by Jefferson Parish. Broussard resigned 48 hours after the matter was referred to the Board of Ethics.
UNLICENSED PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR ARRESTED BY ST. CHARLES PARISH SHERIFF’S OFFICE
A 2008 MCC investigation found that private investigator, Dwayne Alexander, had over-charged the City of New Orleans in excess of $500,000. It was later learned that his hours did not legitimately match the amount paid. The MCC also learned that Alexander had been previously convicted of 19 felony charges, 17 of which were expunged. Based on this information, his private investigators license was later revoked in 2009. An informant notified the MCC that Alexander was working again as a private investigator for the St. Charles Parish School Board. The MCC notified the School Board and Mr. Alexander was later arrested for working as a private investigator without a license.