Slidell Man Pleads Guilty to Oil Spill Compensation Fraud

A Slidell man has admitted to defrauding the Gulf Coast Claims Facility of $75,000 in compensation for losses suffered during the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill.

Darrell Morris, 55, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud in connection with his fraudulent application for disaster assistance funds.

According to court documents, Morris applied for disaster assistance money on October 1, 2010, claiming he was employed in a commercial fishing business before the oil spill. However, Morris had never worked in the commercial fishing business and submitted false documentation to establish his false earnings.

Morris received approximately $75,000 to which he was not entitled, thanks to his fraudulent application.

Morris faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release following imprisonment. U.S. District Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown set sentencing for February 12, 2015.

U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite commended the work of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the U.S. Secret Service in investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Julia K. Evans is in charge of the prosecution.

This case serves as a reminder of the importance of honesty when seeking assistance in times of need. The public is urged to report any suspicious activity to the authorities.

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