Former New Orleans mayor sentenced to 10 years

Former Democratic New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin was sentenced to 10 years in prison after being convicted in February of 20 charges, including bribery, money laundering and tax fraud. 

The sentence was handed down by Judge Ginger Berrigan in a federal court in Louisiana. He was also ordered to pay nearly $85,000 in restitution costs.

“Given the nature and extent of former Mayor Nagin’s criminal conduct and betrayal of public trust over the course of several years, hopefully this result will bring at least some level of resolution to the city and its residents,” said Michael Anderson, who is in charge of the FBI’s field office in New Orleans.

Dating back to his time as mayor, he was found guilty of taking bribes and kickbacks in exchange for awarding contracts and using his office to provide financial gains for some individuals. 

He was convicted of accepting bribes by cash, personal services and free travel, sometimes in the form of payment to a granite company he set up in 2005. 

He served as mayor from 2002 through 2010, including during Hurricane Katrina and the rebuilding effort following the storm. He was first indicted in 2013 after leaving office. 

According to The Associated Press, he will begin serving his sentence in September.