Christian Conrad Claus, a 55-year-old former New Orleans police officer, has been charged with multiple counts of insurance fraud and bribery in a shocking case that has sent shockwaves through the city.
According to a recent indictment, Claus conspired with a New Orleans homeowner and a Nevada art appraiser to submit a fraudulent insurance claim on the homeowner’s property in 2019. The claim reported that valuable paintings were stolen from the insured’s house, when in truth, the paintings were neither valuable nor stolen.
The indictment alleges that the homeowner, Fouad K. Zeton, agreed to share the insurance proceeds with Claus in exchange for using his police position to further the scheme. Claus was also promised assistance in obtaining employment positions.
Claus has been charged with one count of Wire Fraud, one count of Mail Fraud, one count of conspiracy to commit those crimes, one count of Use of a Facility in Interstate Commerce in Aid of Bribery, one count of conspiracy to commit that crime, and one count of Making a False Statement to a Federal Agent.
The fraud and fraud conspiracy charges are each punishable by up to 20 years imprisonment, while the bribery, bribery conspiracy, and false statement charges are each punishable by up to five years imprisonment.
Sentencing for each count, if there is a conviction, may include a fine of up to $250,000 and up to three years of supervised release following imprisonment.
The FBI investigated the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Chandra Menon of the Public Integrity Unit is in charge of the prosecution. The United States Attorney’s Office reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that Claus’s guilt must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
Fouad K. Zeton, the homeowner, and Michael Jon Schofield, the appraiser, previously pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing.
The case highlights the corruption and abuse of power that can occur within law enforcement agencies, and it serves as a reminder of the importance of holding public officials accountable for their actions.
Related Federal Cases
- Michael Jon Schofield, Art Appraisal Fraud, Nevada 2023 · New Mexico
- Gift Card Scammers, Gift Card Fraud, Nevada 2020 · Washington
- Marlene Barkheimer, Medicare Fraud, Rhode Island 2023 · Washington
- Deon O. Noel, Conspiracy to Commit Bank Fraud, Cincinnati OH, 2019 · Washington
- Marlene Barkheimer, FDIC Advisory Committee Appointment, Washington… · Washington
Key Facts
- State: Louisiana
- Category: Public Corruption|White Collar Crime|Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
ðŸâ€Â’ Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
