FORMER NEW ORLEANS MAYOR C. RAY NAGIN FOUND GUILTY OF FEDERAL CORRUPTION CHARGES
The MCC provided federal authorities with information from an informant that Frank Fradella provided truckloads of granite at no cost to Mayor Nagin for his family’s granite installation business. Fradella would later enter into a plea agreement. During Mayor Nagin’s trial, he admitted to bribing Nagin with the granite and he acknowledged that he made a $50,000 payment to Nagin while he was still in office and a subsequent $10,000 per month retainer after Nagin left public service.
In January 2013, a grand jury indicted former New Orleans Mayor C. Ray Nagin on 21 counts including wire fraud, conspiracy, bribery, money laundering, and filing false tax returns relating to accepting bribes from city contractors. On February 12, 2014, Mayor Nagin was found guilty on 20 of the 21 charges. He was later sentenced to 10 years for conspiracy, bribery, honest services wire fraud, money laundering and tax evasion.
US Attorney’s Press Release – C. Ray Nagin Guilty Verdict – February 12, 2014
MCC announces role in Nagin Case (YouTube Video)
“U.S. Attorney, local watchdogs hail Ray Nagin guilty verdict” February 12, 2014; The Times-Picayune
US Attorney’s Press Release – C. Ray Nagin Sentencing – July 9, 2014
“Former Mayor Ray Nagin sentenced to 10 years in prison” July 9, 2014; WVUE
“Inside the Ray Nagin investigation: A $50,000 bride, a call from NJ and a mayor’s downfall” May 19, 2016; The Times-Picayune
FOUR INDICTMENTS AND TWO GUILTY PLEAS RELATING TO A BAIL BOND SCHEME IN ORLEANS PARISH
The MCC working with an informant to development information about a corrupt bail bond scheme involving multiple individuals that included Orleans Parish Clerk of Court and Criminal Court personnel that was relayed to the FBI. Their investigation resulted in the indictment of Rufus Johnson and 3 other individuals for conspiracy to commit honest services fraud, mail fraud, and obstruction of justice. The case also lead to 2 guilty pleas for conspiracy to commit mail fraud by former Orleans Parish Criminal District Court employee Patricia Tate and bail bondswoman Janet Smith.
US Attorney’s Press Release – Rufus Johnson and 3 Others Indicted for Operating Fraudulent Bail Bonds Scheme in Orleans Parish – October 31, 2014
US Attorney’s Press Release – Patricia Tate Guilty Plea- December 3, 2014
US Attorney’s Press Release – Janet Smith Guilty Plea – December 4, 2014
ADDITIONAL GUILTY PLEA IN THE ORLEANS PARISH SHERIFF’S OFFICE BRIBERY CASE
In June 2014, Businessman Kendall Marquar pled guilty to tax evasion charges in relation to his role in the OPSO bid rigging scheme. Kendall Marquar was sentenced to 1 year of home confinement, as well as ordered to pay $156,941 in restitution and a fine of $3,162.
“Businessman who aided probe of Sheriff’s Office gets probation” September 12, 2014; The New Orleans Advocate