Along with Nagin, seven contractors and city officials have also been convicted on federal charges for accepting kickbacks and bribes in exchange for city business. Although many of his charges involved alleged mishandling of contractors during Hurricane Katrina’s aftermath, he also faced federal charges related to money laundering through his personal granite counter top business, Stone Age, which he formed with his sons.

His sons were not indicted on federal charges.

“He was using the power and authority of his office as leverage on city business to exact payoffs,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Pickens said during closing arguments Monday. “He defrauded the citizens of New Orleans.”

Nagin’s charges included conspiracy, bribery, wire fraud, money laundering, and tax charges. Of 21 counts, he was found guilty of 20 – the jury found him not guilty on one count of bribery.

According to prosecutors, Nagin accepted hundreds of thousands of dollars in bribes, truckloads of free granite for his family business, cell phone services, a free limousine ride in New York City, and a vacation to Hawaii, and in exchange promoted business interests of specific bribers.

Nagin faces up to 20 years in federal prison. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for June.

Wire Fraud and Tax Evasion Federal Charges in South Carolina

If you are under investigation, or have been arrested, for tax evasion your personal and professional livelihood are at stake.  The IRS can:

• seize your assets,
• freeze your bank accounts,
• shut down your business, and
• garnish your wages.

A conviction for tax  evasion can result in jail time and staggering fines and penalties.  If you are under investigation, or have been arrested for federal tax evasion, is it critical that you contact an experienced federal tax attorney to help defend your case.  Don’t let a simple mistake made in good faith result in possible prison time or subject you to additional penalties.  We will fight aggressively to have your charges reduced or even dismissed.

The law broadly defines wire fraud as devising or intending to devise a scheme to defraud others of money or property under false or fraudulent pretenses, representations or promises by means of electronic communications, or “wires.” Because they typically involve interstate matters, most wire fraud cases are considered federal crimes with convictions carrying heavy fines, prison sentences of up to 20 years, or both.

Specifc Wire Fraud Charges can include:

• Fraudulent insurance claims
• Bond issuances and investment schemes
• Falsifying loan applications
• Check fraud schemes
• Bribes or kickbacks
• False advertising or misrepresentation in sales transactions

The Strom Law Firm Can Help Defend Federal Charges

If you, your loved one, or your corporation has been contacted by a law enforcement officer about federal charges, you should contact the Strom Law Firm, LLC immediately. The Strom Law Firm offers free, confidential consultations so you can discuss the facts of your case with impunity. Contact us today.803.252.4800