A New Orleans man has pleaded guilty in a federal court for a scheme to defraud Louisiana’s education department.
New Orleans Man Pleads Guilty to Fraud
Demietriek Scott, 50, admitted to conspiracy to commit wire fraud involving the Louisiana Child Care Assistance Provider (LaCAP) grant program, federal officials announced on Wednesday.
The Fraud Scheme
The LaCAP funds were meant to help child care providers during major emergencies, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Between April 2020 and March 2021, Scott and previously convicted Romney Manuel used falsified spreadsheets and data systems to steal $74,250 in federal money from the Louisiana Department of Education.
After the fraud was discovered, Manuel was removed from his role as a program consultant in the Office of Early Childhood Operations.
Potential Penalties
Both Scott and Manuel face up to 30 years in prison and a possible $1 million fine for their involvement in the scheme.
