Shepherd indicted on conspiracy, fraud charges

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July, 29, 2008

Louisiana Senator Derrick Shepherd (D) was charged with three counts of mail fraud; one count to commit mail & wire fraud; and one count to commit money laundering. The FBI alleged that Shepherd had conspired with an unlicensed bond broker, Gwendolyn Moyo, to launder $2 million in fake construction bonds to conceal the illegal operation of her bonding business.[1]

Shepherd has pleaded not guilty to the charges saying "I am deeply disappointed and saddened by the indictment against me that has been secured by the federal government. I have never knowingly or maliciously violated any law,” in an emailed statement.[2]

Contents

[edit] Charges

The arraignment takes place before U.S. Magistrate Judge Louis Moore Jr. The indictment alleges that Shepherd falsified records at his Marrero law firm to conceal $141,000 in check written to AA Communications which was a Moyo company. While the FBI was investigating Shepherd they did request that Moyo wear a wire in order to build a more solid case against the official.[3]

The crimes carry a maximum sentence of 85 years in prison, but legal observers predict he could face closer to six years if convicted.[4]

[edit] Assault

Thaise Ashford, Shepherd's ex-girlfriend, filed a police report about him barging into her house and starting a fight in which she was punched in the stomach. Police booked Shepherd with unauthorized entry into an inhabited dwelling, battery and theft of more than $500. He is since been considered a "flight risk" by the judge and is being kept in a halfway house until trial.[5]

[edit] Upcoming trial

Currently, Shepherd has been released on a 5,000 signature bond. The trial date is set for October 6, 2008.[6] Meanwhile, Senate President Joel Chaisson has said Shepherd will resign as chairman of the Senate Local and Municipal Affairs Committee.

[edit] References

  1. ↑ KALB News, State senator indicted on fraud, conspiracy charges, April 10, 2008
  2. ↑ KALB News, State senator indicted on fraud, conspiracy charges, April 10, 2008
  3. ↑ The Times Picayune, FBI sought to tape senator, May 17, 2008
  4. ↑ The Time Picayune, Derrick Shepherd pleads not guilty, April 23, 2008
  5. ↑ The Times Picayune, State senator is in halfway house, July 29, 2008
  6. ↑ WXVT News, October trial date set for legislator, May 16, 2008
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