NEW ORLEANS – A twelve-count Superseding Indictment was handed down today, accusing a New Orleans couple of systematically looting federal funds earmarked for the city’s most vulnerable. RICKEY ROBERSON, age 47, and ADA CRAIGE-ROBERSON, age 43, stand accused of conspiracy and theft, allegedly diverting over $110,000 from a non-profit meant to house the homeless and care for the disabled.
The pair operated Alternatives Living, Inc., a supposedly charitable organization that received Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). According to the indictment, from at least 2009 until recently, ROBERSON and CRAIGE-ROBERSON treated the non-profit’s coffers as their personal piggy bank, brazenly ignoring rules prohibiting the use of federal funds for anything beyond its stated mission. OMB Circular No. A-122, which governs the use of CDBG funds, clearly prohibits spending on entertainment, fundraising, and personal expenses – rules the couple allegedly flouted with impunity.
The core of the case, detailed in Count 1, alleges a long-running conspiracy to embezzle, steal, or convert federal funds to their own use. The indictment paints a picture of lavish spending, detailing how the couple allegedly financed a comfortable lifestyle on the backs of those they were supposed to serve. Among the alleged abuses: funds earmarked for affordable housing were instead used to cover their children’s cell phone bills, personal travel, satellite radio subscriptions, and even concert tickets. The indictment doesn’t stop there, alleging repair bills for a Cadillac Escalade and Audi TT were also footed with stolen money, along with pet expenses.
The specific charges detail a pattern of blatant disregard for the law. Count 2 accuses ROBERSON of purchasing a 2011 New Orleans Saints season ticket package – costing over $1,000 – with federal funds. Counts 3 through 12 itemize further abuses, including a $1,395 Carnival Cruise in 2012, a $5,735 tab for their daughter’s Sprint phone, and multiple Saints and Hornets season ticket packages totaling thousands more. Even fundraising events weren’t immune; $12,430 was allegedly spent on a 2012 fundraiser aboard the Creole Queen, and another $1,560 on a 2013 event on the same vessel.
The government alleges a total theft exceeding $110,000.00. If convicted of the conspiracy outlined in Count 1, both ROBERSON and CRAIGE-ROBERSON face a maximum sentence of 5 years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, and a $100 assessment. ROBERSON, facing theft charges in Count 2, and both defendants on Counts 3-12, each could receive up to 10 years behind bars, along with the same hefty fine and assessment.
This case is being prosecuted by Acting U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans and his team. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case as it unfolds, bringing you the unvarnished truth about corruption in the Crescent City. This isn’t just about stolen money; it’s about broken trust and the exploitation of those who need help the most.
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Key Facts
- State: Louisiana
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: White Collar Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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