Federal Crime Corruption Conviction Sends Nagin to Federal Prison for 10 years

Former New Orleans Mayor Sentenced  To 10 Years In Federal Prison

Ray Nagin, the former New Orleans mayor, was indicted for federal crimes on January 18, 2013 on 21 corruptions charges in Federal Court. Nagin served as mayor from 2002 to 2010. He gained attention nationwide after Hurricane Katrina. On February 20, 2013, he pleaded not guilty in Federal Court to all federal crimes charges.  He was, however, later convicted after a federal jury trial on 20 of the 21 federal crime charges. The federal crime charges came three years after he left office. Nagin was just recently sentenced to 10 years in prison and was facing 20 years under federal sentencing guidelines. Judge Berrigan sentenced Nagin to ten years prison, which is a downward departure from the federal sentencing guidelines. He also was ordered to pay $84,264 in restitution. His report date is September 8, 2014 and he is supposed to report to a minimum security federal prison in Oakdale, La.

The Charges

Prosecutors said Nagin accepted free travel. The Government also said he  funneled money into his sons’ company called Stone Age. The allegations were that he received free granite, which he gave to his sons. The federal crimes charged in the federal indictment included bribery, wire fraud, money laundering, conspiracy and filing false tax returns. Most of the federal crimes came from men looking for city work after Hurricane Katrina. Many individuals who plead guilty in the scheme testified against Nagin at the trial. It is rumored that Nagin is going to appeal his federal crime conviction and vehemently denies any wrongdoing. Nagin accepted no responsibility at the sentencing hearing. Nagin’s wife and sons sent letters to Judge Berrigan before sentencing and have stuck by him throughout the case.

Federal crimes are extremely serious and individuals charged in Federal Court need to be represented by an experienced Federal crime attorney. Even with a downward departure sentence, federal sentences can be daunting. Keller Criminal Defense Attorneys is located on the same block as the Federal Courthouse in Downtown Minneapolis in Minnesota. Max A. Keller has defended many individuals in Federal Court. Call us ASAP at 952-913-1421 for a free consultation if you have been charged with a white collar crime in state or federal court or a federal crime in Minnesota Federal Court.

Max Keller has won countless jury trial cases involving misdemeanors and felonies, sex crimes, and DWI’s. He is a member of the Minnesota Society for Criminal Justice, which only allows the top 50 criminal defense attorneys in the state as members. Max is a frequent speaker at CLE’s and is often asked for advice by other defense attorneys across Minnesota.

Years of Experience: Approx. 20 years
Minnesota Registration Status: Active
Bar & Court Admissions: State of Minnesota Minnesota State Court Minnesota Federal Court 8th Circuit Federal Court of Appeals State of Maryland

What to Do If You Have Been Charged with a Criminal Offense

The Surprising Cost of a Guilty Criminal Plea in Minnesota

Defendants in Minnesota may plead guilty or accept deals without understanding the hidden cost of a guilty criminal plea. A guilty criminal plea, regardless of how appealing it appears, can leave you dealing with substantial lifelong consequences. You may skip lengthy trial proceedings and likely get a lenient sentence, but end up with a criminal record. The record can lead to various financial and collateral consequences, including difficulty in securing employment, loss of housing rights, license revocation, and immigration issues.

What You Can Expect at a Pre-Trial Motions Hearing in Minnesota

The pre-trial motions hearing is a court session you attend after your first arraignment. At the hearing, the prosecution and defense appear before a judge to clear several details about the case before trial. These details include pre-trial motions, evidentiary queries, and constitutional matters.

Refusing Arrest vs. Resisting Arrest in Minnesota: What’s the Difference?

Highly publicized incidents of police using excessive force over the past few years have led to people wondering, “What’s the difference between refusing arrest vs. resisting arrest?” Resisting arrest in Minnesota occurs when you use force to prevent a police officer from making a lawful arrest. Refusing an arrest, on the other hand, involves statements or actions that show reluctance to cooperate with an officer’s instructions without using force.