Two former captains in the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's office admitted guilt today to funneling kickbacks to Jack Strain, when Strain was sheriff, according to WWL-TV and New Orleans Advocate reports.
David Hanson Sr. and Clifford Keen pleaded guilty in federal court to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and solicit bribes. The two were charged months ago in a bill of information, which indicates a plea deal has been in the works, and the defendants are likely cooperating with the federal investigation.
Prosecutors say Hanson's and Keen's adult children received a no-bid contract to take over management of the parish's work-release program for prisoners who were nearing the end of their sentences. In exchange, the feds say Hanson and Keen made regular payments of more than $1,000 in cash to an individual identified in documents as "Public Official A." WWL-TV and The Advocate report that refers to Strain.
The U.S. Attorney's Office has not charged Strain as of this time, but news of the investigation into Strain's finances has been public for more than a year.
Amidst that scrutiny came allegations Strain sexually abused teenagers. Louisiana State Police investigated and the results are now in the hands of District Attorney Warren Montgomery's office.
