A contractor, Jon Andersen, was arrested on February 25, 2026, in Jefferson Parish on multiple fraud charges following his involvement in falsifying inspection records. The arrest came after state investigators testified in July 2025 about Andersen’s admission to manipulating public records using Photoshop.
Falsifying Inspection Records
During a Louisiana Contractors Licensing Board hearing in July 2025, investigators revealed that Andersen had photoshopped images to make it appear as though his work on a house in Mid-City had passed inspection.
Investigator Stephanie Belanger testified that Andersen admitted to altering images of an inspector, Randy Farrell Jr., with the building in the background.
The board members expressed shock at the revelation. One member was heard saying, “You couldn’t make it up,” as the board voted to revoke Andersen’s contractor’s license.
Referral to Law Enforcement
Following the board’s decision, Louisiana Contractors Licensing Board Director Brad Hassert stated that criminal matters would be referred to the appropriate law enforcement authorities. He emphasized that the board was not responsible for prosecuting criminal cases and that it was up to the authorities to decide how to handle the issue.
Arrest and New Charges in Jefferson Parish
While no charges have been filed in Orleans Parish related to the falsified inspection reports, Andersen was arrested in Jefferson Parish on February 25, 2026. He was booked on several charges, including four counts of injuring public records, three counts of intent to injure and defraud, and three counts of forgery.
According to the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, Andersen applied for new contractor licenses in August 2025, just weeks after his state license was revoked.
The deputy who investigated Andersen’s actions alleges that he submitted forged insurance documents in his application for a parish plumber’s license. Furthermore, Andersen allegedly used his revoked state contractor’s license to obtain a mechanical contractor’s license, bypassing the required exam.
Forged Documents and New Applications
The deputy also claims that in January 2026, Andersen applied for an electrical contractor’s license in Jefferson Parish, submitting a copy of his revoked state license and two forged liability insurance documents. The licensing department allegedly issued Andersen a mechanical contractor’s license based on these false representations.
Andersen’s Current Status
As of Thursday afternoon, February 26, 2026, Andersen remains in custody at the Jefferson Parish jail. His bond has been set at $44,000.
