Anthony Jones, Former New Orleans Chief Technology Officer, Pleads Guilty to Federal Conspiracy Charges

NEW ORLEANS, LA—ANTHONY JONES, age 43, former Director of the Management Information Systems (MIS) Department and Chief Technology Officer for the City of New Orleans, a resident of Metairie, pled guilty in federal court today before U.S. District Judge Stanwood R. Duval, Jr. to conspiracy to commit bribery concerning programs receiving federal funds, announced U.S. Attorney Jim Letten.

According to the factual basis, JONES admitted that beginning in 2005 and continuing through February, 2007, while employed by the City of New Orleans, he and city vendor Mark St. Pierre participated in a conspiracy in which St. Pierre funneled payoffs to JONES in exchange for JONES expediting payments from the City of New Orleans on various contracts involving companies owned or controlled by St. Pierre. According to court records, St. Pierre paid JONES more than $20,000 during this time period.

JONES executed a plea agreement with the Government which was made part of the court record at the guilty plea hearing today. A major component of that agreement is a requirement that JONES cooperate with the prosecution on this and other investigations.

U.S. Attorney Jim Letten expresses his gratitude to the FBI and IRS CID, New Orleans Inspector General Ed Quatrevaux and his team for their professionalism, cooperation, and partnership in this and other important matters affecting the city and citizens of New Orleans, as well as the Metropolitan Crime Commission for their continued assistance. The U.S. Attorney also stated that the investigation which yielded today’s guilty plea continues.

As a result of the guilty plea today, JONES faces up to five (5) years’ imprisonment, criminal forfeiture and fines. Sentencing has been scheduled for March 30, 2011.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Orleans Inspector General’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew M. Coman, Richard R. Pickens, Jon M. Maestri and Matthew S. Chester.