NEW ORLEANS – The waters are churning with corruption as eight more merchant mariners have been slapped with federal indictments related to a brazen test-score fixing scheme at a United States Coast Guard exam center. U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced the charges November 18, 2021, adding to a growing list of individuals caught in this dangerous game of deception.
Facing charges are RANSFORD ACKAH, NATHANIEL DOMINICK, ODELL GRIGGS, DEVIN HEBERT, RAYNEL LEWIS, ADRIAN MACK, MAURICE PALMER, and DERRICK WARD. Each is accused of illegally obtaining, and intending to use, officer-level licenses secured through falsified examination scores. These aren’t just bureaucratic errors; these scores represent the mariners’ supposed knowledge and training to safely operate vessels – putting lives at risk.
This latest indictment is a direct offshoot of the investigation into former Coast Guard credentialing specialist Dorothy Smith, who allegedly accepted bribes to manipulate exam results. Twenty-eight current and former mariners were previously charged in connection with Smith’s scheme, and all have already pleaded guilty. Smith, along with two other former Coast Guard employees, are currently awaiting trial, suggesting a deeply rooted culture of corruption within the agency.
The stakes are high for these eight newly indicted mariners. If convicted, each faces a potential sentence of up to five (5) years’ imprisonment, a hefty fine of up to $250,000.00, up to three years of supervised release following incarceration, and a mandatory $100.00 special assessment fee. These aren’t slap-on-the-wrist penalties; the government is sending a clear message that compromising maritime safety will not be tolerated.
U.S. Attorney Evans was quick to emphasize that an indictment is not a conviction. “These are merely allegations,” he stated, “and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.” The prosecution will fall to Assistant U.S. Attorney Chandra Menon, who will be tasked with building a case strong enough to secure convictions.
The investigation is being spearheaded by the Coast Guard Investigative Service, highlighting the agency’s commitment to cleaning up its own house. This case serves as a stark reminder that even those entrusted with safeguarding our waterways are susceptible to greed and corruption. Grimy Times will continue to follow this case as it unfolds, bringing you the unvarnished truth from the federal courthouse.
RELATED: 8 Mariners Indicted for USCG Exam Score Fraud in Louisiana
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Key Facts
- State: Louisiana
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: White Collar Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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