Anita Hobdy, Church Embezzlement, Louisiana 2023

New Orleans, Louisiana – In a shocking case of financial deceit, Anita Willene Hobdy, age 68, of LaPlace, was sentenced to 27 months in prison on May 11, 2023, for wire fraud, stemming from fraudulent charges made from First Baptist Church of LaPlace, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.

Hobdy previously pled guilty to a one-count bill of information for wire fraud that involved her conduct from 2015 through 2021. According to court documents, Hobdy was a bookkeeper for the church’s daycare and embezzled over $175,000 from church accounts during that period.

The Honorable Eldon E. Fallon sentenced Hobdy to 27 months in prison, followed by one year of supervised release, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee. She was also ordered to pay $175,124.26 in restitution to the First Baptist Church of LaPlace.

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Secret Service and the St. John Parish Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas D. Moses, Health Care Fraud Coordinator, is in charge of the prosecution.

Hobdy’s sentence marks a significant blow to the community, highlighting the severity of her actions. The embezzlement of such a large sum of money from a church, an institution meant to provide support and care, is a betrayal of the highest order.

The case serves as a reminder of the importance of transparency and accountability in financial transactions. It also highlights the crucial role of law enforcement agencies in preventing and investigating financial crimes.

As Hobdy begins her sentence, the community can take solace in the knowledge that justice has been served. The First Baptist Church of LaPlace can now begin the process of rebuilding and recovering from the financial losses inflicted by Hobdy’s actions.