United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that DAVIN D. THOMAS (“THOMAS"), age 32, of Ponchatoula, Louisiana, a former Delgado Community College ("DCC") Financial Aid Officer, pled guilty today to a one count Bill of Information charging him with soliciting money from students in exchange for awarding students financial aid.
According to court documents, THOMAS was responsible for the verification of student financial aid applications and for identifying the students who were eligible for financial aid funds. From April 2014 through August 2016, THOMAS solicited funds from three DCC students in exchanged for awarding the students financial aid. THOMAS admitted to federal law enforcement that he accepted $6,700 in exchange for awarding the students financial aid.
THOMAS faces a possible sentence of up to ten (10) years imprisonment, followed by up to three (3) years of supervised release, and a $250,000.00 fine. U.S. District Court Judge Eldon E. Fallon set sentencing for Dec. 20, 2018.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and United States Department of Education, Office of Inspector General. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U. S. Attorney Julia K. Evans.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
