Lafayette Copier Crook Gets 37 Months in Mail Fraud

LAFAYETTE, La. – Leonard Espree, 53, of Lafayette, is headed to federal prison after being sentenced to 37 months for a brazen mail fraud scheme targeting the Calcasieu Parish school system. U.S. District Judge Donald E. Walter handed down the sentence Friday, along with three years of supervised release and a hefty restitution order.

Acting U.S. Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced the sentencing, detailing how Espree, operating as a contractor providing and servicing copiers for the Calcasieu Parish School Board, systematically double-billed the district. The scheme, originating in November 2011, involved a deliberately misleading letter sent to the school system announcing a lease refinancing.

The core of the fraud was simple, but effective. Espree intentionally misidentified equipment in the new lease agreement, creating a scenario where the same copiers were leased *twice* to the school board. This wasn’t an accounting error; it was a calculated move to line his own pockets. The total cost of the deception to the school board and other customers reached $197,387.78, and Espree pocketed a significant portion of the ill-gotten gains.

Espree entered a guilty plea on January 12, 2017, admitting to the fraudulent activity. While the plea offered a path to a lesser sentence, Judge Walter clearly wasn’t swayed by the delay in justice. The judge also ordered Espree to pay full restitution of $197,387.78 – meaning he’ll be paying for his crime long after he’s released from prison.

The FBI spearheaded the investigation, meticulously unraveling the complex lease agreements and tracing the flow of funds. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jamilla A. Bynog skillfully prosecuted the case, presenting the evidence that ultimately led to Espree’s conviction and sentencing. This case serves as a stark reminder that even seemingly minor financial crimes can carry significant consequences.

Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on any further developments. The Calcasieu Parish School Board has not yet released a statement regarding the restitution and its impact on school funding. This is just the latest example of how vulnerable public institutions are to predatory contractors seeking a quick profit.

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