Former Homer police officer pleads guilty to conspiring to commit mail fraud

SHREVEPORT, La. – Acting U.S. Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced today that a former Homer Police officer pleaded guilty to his role in a vehicle fraud theft and insurance scheme.

Donald W. Malray, 52, of Homer, La., pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark Hornsby to one count of mail fraud conspiracy. The plea will become final when accepted by U.S. District Judge S. Maurice Hicks Jr. According to the guilty plea, Malray and another individual planned a scheme to fake a vehicle and trailer theft, and then file an insurance claim to collect the money on the value of the property. On August 4, 2015, Malray and the other individual transferred the ATV and trailer to Malray’s possession after they met in Ruston, La. Malray then instructed the other individual to call the Homer Police Department and report the ATV and trailer stolen. The insurance company paid the individual in the conspiracy with Malray approximately $13,000 on September 8, 2015. Law enforcement agents recovered the ATV and trailer on January 31, 2017 in Ruston, La.

Malray faces up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. The court set a sentencing date of December 6, 2017.

The DEA and the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney James G. Cowles Jr. is prosecuting the case.