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Bail Bonds Fraud Lands Former Orleans Clerk in Hot Water
A former Orleans Criminal District Court employee has been sentenced for her role in a brazen bail bonds fraud scheme. Patricia Tate, 52, of New Orleans, was handed a three-year probation sentence, including 100 hours of unpaid community service and a $100 special assessment.
According to court documents, Tate was employed by the Clerk’s Office from 1993 through August 15, 2014, as a deputy clerk assigned to the Magistrate Clerk’s Office. During her employment, Tate became aware that Rufus Johnson was operating an illegal bail bonding business out of an office on S. Broad Street in New Orleans without a required license.
Tate accepted cash payments from Johnson in exchange for facilitating the operation of Johnson’s business. Her activities included accessing official-use criminal justice records, delivering pre-certified bail bonds to the bail business, and other actions that assisted the business outside the scope of her official duties.
The scheme was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Metropolitan Crime Commission, the New Orleans Police Department, and the Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael B. Redmann and Mark A. Miller initially led the prosecution, while Jordan Ginsberg, Harry W. McSherry, and Brittany Reed handled sentencing-related proceedings and the trial of Rufus Johnson.
Tate pleaded guilty to a one-count Bill of Information charging her with conspiracy to commit honest services mail fraud. Her sentencing comes as a result of a lengthy investigation and collaboration between law enforcement agencies.
Speaking on the matter, Acting U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the assistance of other agencies in bringing Tate to justice.
The sentencing of Tate serves as a reminder of the importance of holding public officials accountable for their actions and maintaining the integrity of our justice system.
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Key Facts
- State: Louisiana
- Category: White Collar Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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