April 29, 09

NEWS / St. Bernard Parish Judge Arrested on Federal Corruption Charges

NEW ORLEANS, LA—WAYNE G. CRESAP, an elected judge of the 34th Judicial District Court for the Parish of St. Bernard, was arrested this afternoon by Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, pursuant to a warrant of arrest and complaint charging him with conspiracy to commit wire fraud by depriving citizens of his honest services in the course of his official duties, announced U. S. Attorney Jim Letten and Special Agent in Charge David Welker of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, New Orleans Division.

After his arrest, CRESAP appeared before a United States District Court Judge and presently remains in federal custody pending a bail hearing at a later date.

According to allegations contained in the affidavit in support of the complaint (attached), CRESAP entered into a illegal agreement with unnamed lawyers, in which CRESAP accepted money to convert secured bonds to unsecured personal surety bonds, thereby allowing the releases of charged individuals on signatures, and without collateral security.

If indicted and convicted of the conspiracy offense as charged, CRESAP faces a maximum prison term of five (5) years, a $250,000 fine, as well as possible restitution and supervised release.

CRESAP is presently on a leave of absence from the Court and is therefore not currently sitting on the bench or ruling on judicial matters. No further details are available for release at this time.

FBI Special Agent in Charge Welker and U. S. Attorney Letten commend the hard work, commitment and partnership of the Special Agents, prosecutors and others who have assisted with this and related corruption investigations, and confirm that this investigation continues.

The FBI and U. S. Attorney extend their gratitude for the substantial assistance and information provided by the New Orleans Metropolitan Crime Commission.

The investigation is being handled by Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation of the New Orleans Division. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Brian Marcelle and Richard Pickens.