Louisiana State Senator Wesley Bishop is charged in a federal bill of information, accused of making a false statement that could lead to a five-year prison sentence.
The U.S. Attorney's office says Bishop "knowingly and willfully made a false statement to the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development."
The charge states that Bishop claimed to HUD that certain individuals were tenants of rental property that he owns, however, that rental property was actually vacant at the time and uninhabitable.
Bishop did not seek reelection this year. Jimmy Harris was elected to Senate District 4 by default by being the only person to qualify for the seat.
A bill of information usually indicates that the defendant is cooperating with authorities and intends to plea guilty.