Lynn D. Cawthorne, Wire Fraud, Money Laundering, Louisiana 2018
Shreveport Man Charged in Summer Feeding Program Scandal
SHREVEPORT, La. - A federal grand jury has returned a superseding indictment against Lynn D. Cawthorne, 51, and his sister Belena C. Turner, 47, both of Shreveport, adding 18 money laundering-related charges to the indictment.
The indictment alleges that the defendants, who were involved with United Citizens and Neighborhoods, a non-profit corporation that participated in the Summer Feeding Service Program (SFSP), fraudulently obtained over $536,000 from the program by filing false claims for reimbursement.
The SFSP is administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to ensure that children in low-income areas continue to receive nutritious meals during the summer months when school is not in session.
According to the indictment, the defendants used the money to pay for personal expenses, including private school payments, travel, furniture, clothing, car repairs, meals at restaurants, and campaign expenses.
The defendants face 20 years in prison for each wire fraud and money laundering count, as well as fines of $250,000 for each wire fraud count and $500,000 for each money laundering count.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI, Louisiana State Inspector General, Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture - Office of Inspector General.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook and Assistant U.S. Attorney Tennille M. Gilreath are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an accusation, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Defendant: Lynn D. Cawthorne and Belena C. Turner
Criminal Charges: Wire Fraud and Money Laundering
City and State: Shreveport, Louisiana
Exact Date: The superseding indictment was returned on April 26, 2018
Sentence or Outcome: The defendants face 20 years in prison for each count, as well as fines of $250,000 and $500,000 respectively
Dollar Amounts: Over $536,000
Key Facts
- State: Louisiana
- Category: White Collar Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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