BRIAN MEDUS, Permit Bribery, Louisiana 2023

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Table of Contents

New Orleans Official Bribed for Permits

BRIAN MEDUS, 44, of Covington, pleaded guilty as charged to 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. MEDUS, the Assistant Chief Mechanical Inspector for the City of New Orleans, Safety and Permits Department, solicited and accepted bribe money from James 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.

According to Court documents, MEDUS and Mohamad’s bribery scheme lasted for an undisclosed duration, during which Mohamad paid MEDUS and others approximately $93,000. MEDUS utilized cell phones and the City of New Orleans’ internet-based LAMA system, facilities of interstate commerce, to further the scheme. LAMA is the City of New Orleans system for tracking code enforcement and permitting actions.

The FBI and the City of New Orleans/Office of Inspector General investigated the case, with assistance from the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors. Assistant United States Attorney Tracey N. Knight is prosecuting the matter.

“The FBI is committed to aggressively pursuing those who violate the trust placed in them by the public and holding them accountable for their actions,” said Douglas A. Williams, Jr., FBI New Orleans Special Agent in Charge.

“Public trust in government institutions is essential for a healthy, functioning government,” stated the United States Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of Louisiana. “Any felonious breach of trust damages the very institutions designed to protect citizens from such hazards. Our office will continue partnering with local, state and federal investigative agencies to prosecute public corruption that compromises our institutions.”

Medus faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years, a fine of not more than $250,000, a maximum of three years supervised release following any term of imprisonment, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee. Sentencing is scheduled for November 17, 2021.

The New Orleans Office of the Inspector General stated that they will continue to ensure employees who utilize their public office for personal gain are held accountable for their actions.