JAMES MOHAMAD, Use of an Interstate Facility with Intent to Carry on Unlawful Activities, Louisiana 2024

NEW ORLEANS, LA - In a shocking turn of events, a local official has been charged with using an interstate facility with intent to carry on unlawful activities. According to a 1-count indictment by a federal Grand Jury, JAMES MOHAMAD, 52, of Kenner, and BRIAN MEDUS, 44, of Covington, were charged with violating Title 18, United States Code, Sections 371 and 1952(a)(3), conspiracy to use an interstate facility with intent to carry on unlawful activity.

According to the Indictment, Medus, the Assistant Chief Mechanical Inspector for the City of New Orleans, Safety and Permits Department, solicited and accepted bribe money from Mohamad, the Director of the Department of Inspection and Code Enforcement for the City of Kenner, in return for the issuance of fraudulent permits for Mohamad’s HVAC jobs. Throughout the course of the conspiracy, Mohamad paid Medus and others approximately $93,000 to further the bribery scheme. Defendant Medus utilized the City of New Orleans’ internet-based LAMA system, a facility of interstate commerce, to further the scheme.

If convicted, Medus and Mohamad face a maximum term of imprisonment of five (5) years, a fine of not more than $250,000, three years supervised release following any term of imprisonment, and a $100 special assessment fee. “Public corruption occurs when anyone who works for the government, whether at the federal, state, or local level, conducts an official act in exchange for money, goods, or services. It also includes public employees who take something of value for their own personal gain. Mr. Mohamad and Mr. Medus both allegedly engaged in these bribery schemes thereby violating the public’s trust”, stated Bryan Vorndran, FBI New Orleans Special Agent in Charge.

Ed Michel, Interim Inspector General, City of New Orleans, stated “The New Orleans OIG will continue to ensure employees who utilize their public office for personal gain are held accountable for their actions.” This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the City of New Orleans/Office of Inspector General. Assistance was provided by the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors. Assistant United States Attorney Tracey N. Knight is prosecuting the matter.

The investigation and prosecution of public corruption is a top priority for the FBI and our partners. We will continue to work together to hold accountable those who abuse their positions of power for personal gain.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office reiterated that an Indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

Mandatory Facts: Defendant JAMES MOHAMAD and BRIAN MEDUS’s exact criminal charges are conspiracy to use an interstate facility with intent to carry on unlawful activity. The incident occurred in New Orleans, LA. The date of the crime is not specified in the press release. The sentence or outcome for the defendants is currently pending. The dollar amount of the bribery scheme is approximately $93,000.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-edla/pr/city-kenner-director-inspection-and-code-enforcement-and-city-new-orleans-assistant