Ira Thomas, Federal Bribery, Louisiana 2015

Former Orleans Parish School Board Member Ira Thomas Pleads Guilty to Federal Bribery and Honest Services Wire Fraud

Grimy Times has learned that Ira Thomas, a 56-year-old man from New Orleans, has pleaded guilty to charges of conspiracy to commit federal bribery and honest services wire fraud. According to U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite, Thomas was a member of the Orleans Parish School Board and used his position to engage in a scheme to defraud the parish and its citizens.

Thomas admitted that he participated in a conspiracy with others to commit bribery and honest services wire fraud from September 2013 to January 2015. He used his public office to provide favorable treatment to a business, including attempting to facilitate the awarding of a contract that would benefit the business and its owner. In exchange, Thomas received a bribe and kickback in the form of a cash payment disguised as a campaign contribution.

According to court documents, a cooperating witness was approached by an Orleans Parish School Board employee who offered the witness a janitorial services contract in exchange for a monetary payoff. The witness, Thomas, and the employee met to discuss the contract, and it was decided that the witness would pay Thomas $5,000 in exchange for his assistance. The money was delivered to Thomas in December 2013, and the conversation was recorded by the witness with the assistance of the FBI.

Thomas faces statutory penalties of up to five years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release. U.S. District Judge Susie Morgan set sentencing on August 12, 2015.

The investigation was led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Metropolitan Crime Commission assisted with the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean Toomey is in charge of the prosecution.

Ira Thomas, also known as IRA THOMAS, is a former member of the Orleans Parish School Board. He was a key figure in a bribery and honest services wire fraud scheme that lasted from September 2013 to January 2015. Thomas used his public office to provide favorable treatment to a business, including attempting to facilitate the awarding of a contract that would benefit the business and its owner. In exchange, Thomas received a bribe and kickback in the form of a cash payment disguised as a campaign contribution.

The case against Thomas is a reminder that public officials who engage in corrupt activities will be held accountable. The investigation and prosecution of Thomas demonstrate the commitment of law enforcement agencies to rooting out corruption and ensuring that those who abuse their power are brought to justice.

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