MANDEVILLE MAYOR EDDIE PRICE RESIGNS, PLEADS GUILTY TO FEDERAL CHARGES
In the wake of media regarding the misuse of a police vehicle by a Mandeville City Councilmember and misuse of the city’s “Toys for Tots” fund, the MCC received a litany of complaints regarding Mandeville Mayor Eddie Price. Some of the complaints included Mayor Price driving through a Causeway bridge toll barricade while apparently under the influence of alcohol, issuing an identification badge granting a convicted felon access through post-hurricane police barricades, being given use of a city contractor’s vehicle for below market rates, and charging a hotel bill to the City of Mandeville to attend a friend’s wedding. In October of 2009, Mayor Price resigned and pled guilty to federal charges of defrauding citizens of his honest services and tax evasion. Additional charges against Mr. Price continue to be pursued by the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office. Eddie Price was sentenced to 64 months imprisonment and ordered to pay $17,760 in restitution.
34TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT JUDGE WAYNE CRESAP AND ACCOMPLICES GUILTY OF FEDERAL CHARGES
Following up on an anonymous tip, the MCC conducted a research examination of bail bond releases in St. Bernard Parish. The MCC’s findings were forwarded to the Federal Bureau of Investigation who completed a criminal investigation into the matter. Judge Wayne Cresap was found to have been engaged in an illegal business agreement in which lawyers Sal Cusimano and Victor Dauterive would pay Judge Cresap to grant their clients unsecured release from jail. Judge Cresap, Mr. Cusimano, and Mr. Dauterive pled guilty to federal charges in October of 2009. Judge Wayne Cresap was sentenced to 5 years imprisonment and ordered to pay a $100,000 fine.
NEW ORLEANS INTERIM TECHNOLOGY CHIEF OFFICER SUSPENDED, TERMINATED
New Orleans Interim Technology Chief Anthony Jones was demoted, suspended, and ultimately fired after the discovery that he falsified academic credentials, accepted special benefits from a contractor, and created a false invoice. The MCC was essential in providing City Hall with information received from informants about the misconduct and misrepresentations of Mr. Jones, which led to his suspension in March of 2009 and termination in May of 2009.