Former Sewage and Water Board Official Charged with Federal Theft

NEW ORLEANS - U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced the filing of a bill of information against JAMES ARNOLD, a former Utility Services Administrator for the Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans.

ARNOLD is accused of stealing cash that belonged to the Sewerage and Water Board. The bill of information alleges that ARNOLD would instruct plumbers to provide him with payments for plumbing permits and that ARNOLD would keep the payments for his own use.

The charged offense of Theft From an Agency Receiving Federal Funds is punishable by up to ten years’ imprisonment followed by up to three years’ supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.

U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the bill of information is merely a charge and that the defendant’s guilt must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chandra Menon of the Public Integrity Unit  is in charge of the prosecution.