Former Louisiana State Senator and former chairperson of the Louisiana Democratic Party Karen Carter Peterson pleaded guilty in federal court today a charge of wire fraud. The plea was part of a deal to avoid more charges involving theft of thousands of dollars in campaign and party funds.
Peterson resigned from the state senate in the spring, citing her struggle with gambling addiction. Days later, news of a federal investigation became public.
In court today, federal prosecutors said Peterson took $147,000 in funds from her 2019 campaign account and the account of the Louisiana Democratic Party.
The feds also said Peterson had the help of at least six associates in this scheme. These associates were not mentioned by name in court documents.
Peterson is scheduled for sentencing on December 7.
