Ex-New Orleans Tech Chief, Wife, Vendor Indicted

An attorney for Meffert didn't return messages seeking comment on Friday's indictments.

As chief of the technology office, Meffert was part of Nagin's inner circle — the men acknowledged being friends — and Meffert drew praise for revamping the city Web site and promoting a citywide Wi-Fi system.

Nagin, who is neither charged nor named in the indictments, was elected that year on a business-backed reform platform, vowing to clean up political corruption.

U.S. Attorney Jim Letten said the indictment charged that Meffert manipulated the city's procurement process to steer work to St. Pierre's companies, receiving kickback payments in return.

The indictment alleges that between 2004-2007, St. Pierre paid more than $860,000 in credit card purchases, cash and such things as membership dues for Mardi Gras parades. It also alleges Greg Meffert approved about $4 million in payments to St. Pierre companies, using a primary contractor as a cover. The indictment also alleges Greg and Linda Meffert lied to FBI agents and filed false tax returns for 2006 and 2007.

•  
• Loading Comments...
•