A former high-ranking officer with the Bossier City Police Department has pleaded guilty to charges of embezzling funds from the Bossier City Police Union and obtaining controlled substances by fraud.
Harold W. Sanford, Jr., 52, of Bossier City, Louisiana, appeared before United States District Judge Donald E. Walter today and pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit fraud against the United States and obtaining controlled substances by fraud charges.
Sanford was arrested on August 26, 2022, as the result of a criminal complaint charging him with fraudulently obtaining prescriptions for a controlled substance. On September 13, 2022, Sanford was indicted by a federal grand jury, along with his co-defendant Mitchell Morehead, and charged with conspiracy to obtain controlled substances by fraud and distribution of a controlled substance.
According to information presented in court, Sanford was a Sergeant with the Bossier City Police Department and the President of the Bossier City Police Local 645 of the International Union of Police Associations (Bossier Police Union). Sanford’s co-defendant, Morehead, was a fundraiser for the Bossier Police Union who directly reported to Sanford.
The investigation revealed that Morehead would solicit money from area businesses and other individuals by telling them that he was raising money to support the charitable purposes of the Bossier Police Union. While acting in his capacity as President of the Bossier Police Union, Sanford agreed to pay Morehead 50% of all funds received as compensation.
The loss amount from this scheme is $31,740. Agents with the FBI also learned through their investigation that Sanford fraudulently obtained prescription drugs, including hydrocodone and oxycodone, with the assistance of Morehead.
Sanford faces a sentence of up to 5 years in prison, 3 years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000, for conspiracy to commit fraud against the United States. In addition, he faces up to 4 years in prison for obtaining controlled substances by fraud. Sentencing has been set for February 24, 2023, at 11:15 a.m.
Key Facts
- State: Louisiana
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes|Drug Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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