Federal Embezzlement Charges Filed Against Former Southern University Band Director

United States Attorney Brandon J. Fremin announced today the filing of charges against Nathan Haymer, age 42, of Houston, Texas, for federal program theft, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 666.

As alleged in the Bill of Information, Haymer served as Director of Bands at Southern University A&M College (“Southern University”) and, in that role, was responsible for leading Southern University’s marching band, which performed at Southern University athletic events and a wide variety of other events both within Louisiana and across the United States.  Haymer’s duties included making purchases and paying expenses during the band’s trips.

According to the Bill, from November 2016 through March of 2018, Haymer intentionally misapplied more than $30,000 that Southern University had provided to him to be used for official band expenses.  Specifically, according to the Bill, on more than a dozen occasions, Haymer submitted false documents, such as fictitious and forged invoices from purported vendors, knowing that he had not incurred the expenses reflected on the documents. 

U.S. Attorney Fremin commends Southern University for their cooperation in the investigation, appreciates the work of the Louisiana Legislative Auditor in preparing the underlying audit, and he applauds the efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Louisiana State Police to bring these charges.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Alan Stevens. 

A bill of information is merely an accusation.  The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.    

The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice.  Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.