Louisiana Man Pleads Guilty in Katrina Insurance Fraud Case

A 52-year-old Raceland man has pleaded guilty to a federal charge of wire fraud linked to unemployment insurance debit cards he fraudulently obtained and used during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

U.S. Attorney Jim Letten says Charles Shields entered the plea Thursday before U.S. District Judge Stanwood R. Duval Jr.

Court documents show Shields fraudulently obtained and used debit cards issued in the names of other persons by withdrawing cash from ATMs in and around the Houma area where he worked. As a result, records show he obtained about $14,572 in benefits to which he was not entitled.

Sentencing is set for Nov. 16. He faces up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.