Neely B. Hargis, Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud, Theft of Government Funds, Making False Statements, Louisiana 2024

NEW ORLEANS – In a shocking case of government corruption, Neely B. Hargis and Joseph T. Trott, both 60 years old and residents of New Orleans, have been indicted on charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, theft of government funds, and making false statements to federal agents.

According to the indictment, Hargis and Trott stole approximately $443,455.00 in Social Security Administration (SSA) and Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES ACT) funds. The money was deposited into the account of W.S., a deceased woman who received SSA monthly benefits, which were directly deposited into her Capital One Bank account.

Between the time of W.S.’s death in 1999 and 2020, the SSA deposited approximately $442,264.00 in SSA funds into W.S.’s Capital One account. However, Hargis and Trott, who purchased the North Dupre Street property in 2002, stole over $443,400.00 in government funds from W.S.’s account.

Using the stolen funds, Hargis and Trott paid for personal expenses, including auto loans, utility bills, credit cards, and health insurance bills. For example, they electronically transferred money from W.S.’s account to make fifty-two (52) payments totaling $61,495.00 to Ford Motor Credit for the purchase of two Lincoln vehicles.

Hargis and Trott also lied to special agents with the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, when they were interviewed about the theft of the Social Security funds from W.S.’s Capital One account.

U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendants must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

If convicted, Hargis and Trott face up to 20 years imprisonment, up to three years of supervised release, and up to a $250,000 fine as to Count One. They also face up to ten years imprisonment, up to three years of supervised release, and up to a $250,000 fine as to Counts Two and Three. Additionally, they face up to five years imprisonment, up to three years of supervised release, and up to a $250,000 fine as to Counts Four and Five.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office would like to acknowledge the assistance of the Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General with this matter. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba, Chief of the Financial Crimes Unit.

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