Two former Louisiana Army National Guard recruiters have been charged with conspiracy to commit theft of government funds and identity theft, authorities announced today.
Pablo E. Paz, 45, a resident of New Orleans, and Ramon E. Madrid, 29, a resident of Kenner, were indicted by a federal grand jury on the charges.
According to court documents, Paz obtained personally identifiable information (PII) from potential soldiers who came to the recruiting station to enlist. He then provided this information to Madrid without the knowledge or consent of the soldiers, in order to obtain Guard Recruiter Assistance Program (G-RAP) incentive payments to which they were not entitled.
Madrid received approximately $30,000 in fraudulently obtained recruitment incentive payments, and provided a portion of the funds to Paz.
If convicted, Paz and Madrid face a maximum term of five years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to three years of supervised release. U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendants must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
Polite praised the work of the United States Army Criminal Investigation Division Command and the Defense Criminal Investigative Service in investigating this matter. Public Integrity Unit Chief and Assistant United States Attorney Tracey N. Knight is in charge of the prosecution.
The indictment serves as a reminder that the theft of government funds and identity theft will not be tolerated. Authorities urge anyone with information about this case to come forward and assist with the investigation.
The indictment is a result of a thorough investigation by the United States Army Criminal Investigation Division Command and the Defense Criminal Investigative Service. The case is being prosecuted by Public Integrity Unit Chief and Assistant United States Attorney Tracey N. Knight.
A copy of the indictment can be downloaded from our website.
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Key Facts
- State: Louisiana
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes|White Collar Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release ↗
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