Former Southern University Band Director Pleads Guilty in Federal Court to Embezzlement Charges

United States Attorney Brandon J. Fremin announced today that Nathan Haymer, age 42, of Houston, Texas, pled guilty before U.S. District Judge Brian A. Jackson to federal program theft.  As a result of his guilty plea, Haymer faces a significant term of imprisonment, fines, and a period of supervised release.

According to admissions made as part of his guilty plea, 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 of Information containing the charges, from November 2016 through March 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 stated, “The actions of this defendant betrayed the trust of the taxpayers and tarnished the image of the Southern University Band, a beloved institution of our community.  I want to thank the prosecutor, the Louisiana Legislative Auditor, the FBI, and the Louisiana State Police for their investigative efforts which resulted in this conviction.”

“Mr. Haymer’s greed was evident by stealing money that was intended for Southern University’s students who participate in their nationally acclaimed band program.  His guilty plea today should be a deterrent to others who would attempt to defraud the taxpayers," said Bryan Vorndran, FBI New Orleans Special Agent in Charge.

Legislative Auditor Daryl Purpera stated, “It is good see justice was served.”

This matter is being investigated by the Louisiana Legislative Auditor, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Louisiana State Police, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Alan Stevens, who also serves as Senior Litigation Counsel.