Louisiana Developer Sentenced in Theft Linked to Katrina Aid

A developer has been sentences to 30 months in prison after pleading guilty to fraudulent billing of a Hurricane Katrina recovery program.

Praveen Kailas, 30, entered the plea to one count each of conspiracy to commit theft of government funds and theft of government funds on Aug. 1.

According to court records, Kailas’ charges stem from his company – Lago Construction LLC – overbilling its construction monitoring subcontract for the Louisiana Road Home’s Small Rental Property Program. The program gave money to repair properties damaged by Hurricanes Katrina or Rita.

The court found Kailas overbilled by $236,000 and ordered him to repay more than $67,000. Kailas never collected the rest of the money after it was withheld from his invoices.

Kailas’ family is a major supporter of Gov. Bobby Jindal.