Former New Orleans Sewerage and Water Board employee pleads guilty to fraud

NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — A former employee of the New Orleans Sewerage and Water Board pled guilty to charges related to various fraud schemes.

According to the United States Attorney’s Office, 46-year-old Leesa Augustine committed various acts of fraud through her role a Senior Special Agent for the SWBNO. She was also a New Orleans Police Department reserve officer.

Court documents state Augustine used a SWBNO issued computer to conduct a fraud scheme that involved obtaining a mortgage loan and federally funded assistance for low-income house buyers. She reportedly created fake documents, including a fake W-2 form, fake pay stubs and fake bank statements.

USAO officials said Augustine obtained federally funded unemployment benefits by concealing her income. They said she also obtained federally funded emergency rental assistance from the City of New Orleans by submitting a fake lease and a termination letter from a fake employer.

According to the USAO, Augustine billed a police detail customer for hours she didn’t actually work. At various times Augustine provided her SWBNO issued cellphone number as a contact for three different people she impersonated.

Augustine pled guilty to three counts of wire fraud and one count of making false statements.

Wire fraud can face up to 30 years in prison, plus up to five years of supervised release. The false statement charge is punishable by up to five years imprisonment and three years of supervised release. Each count may also include a fine of up to $250,000 and a $100 mandatory special assignment fee.

Sentencing is set for Sept. 16, 2025.

Latest Posts