Former City of New Orleans Building Inspector Charged With Use of an Interstate Facility with Intent to Carry On Unlawful Activity

NEW ORLEANS - U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced today that KEVIN RICHARDSON age 56, of New Orleans, LA was charged on Thursday, August 15, 2019, by a Grand Jury sitting in the Eastern District of Louisiana in a one-count indictment with violating Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1952(a)(3) and 2, use of an interstate facility with intent to carry on unlawful activity.

According to the Indictment, between January 2011 and February 2019, RICHARDSON was employed as a building inspector for the City of New Orleans and utilized the internet to facilitate the crime of bribery.  He solicited and accepted bribe money from individuals seeking favorable inspection reports and certificates of completion for properties that did not comply with the city and state building codes and for properties that had not been inspected.  He also paid bribe money to a City of New Orleans permit analyst for the issuance of permits without proper documentation and plan review.

If convicted, RICHARDSON faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five (5) years, a fine of not more than $250,000, three years supervised release following any term of imprisonment, and a $100 special assessment fee. 

United States Attorney Strasser reiterated that an Indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

This matter was handled by the City of New Orleans Office of Inspector General, Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General, and the Department of Homeland Security, Office of Inspector General. Assistant United States Attorney Tracey N. Knight is prosecuting the matter.

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