New Orleans (WVUE) — The Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office (OPSO) announced on Friday, November 29, the arrest of a former employee involved in a fraudulent scheme that misappropriated over $75,000 in federal grant funds. Kenneth Aaron Lawson, who was employed by OPSO, was booked into the Orleans Justice Center and faces multiple felony charges, including theft and fraud. Lawson allegedly created a fake business to divert the funds, which were used for personal expenses such as gambling and travel.
In a separate case, OPSO is investigating the theft of over $90,000 from the Inmate Trust Fund, with the involvement of falsified financial records and unauthorized checks.
“These actions are reprehensible and do not reflect the values of the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office,” said Sheriff Susan Hutson. “We are committed to transparency, accountability, and ensuring public trust.”
The fraudulent activities came to light during a forensic audit led by OPSO’s new Chief Financial Officer, Bianka Brown, who joined the agency in September 2024. The audit revealed significant financial irregularities and prompted immediate reforms aimed at preventing future fraud.
OPSO has since implemented a cashless system for transactions, introduced improved verification procedures, and is developing an integrated financial database. The agency is also collaborating with federal authorities to continue the investigation and address systemic vulnerabilities within the office.
“These arrests, while troubling, reflect our proactive efforts to address misconduct and build a stronger, more accountable agency,” Sheriff Hutson stated.
