U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans | U.S. Department of Justice
Kevin Thompson, a resident of New Orleans, and Nina Thomas from Austin, Texas, have been indicted on charges including wire fraud, identity theft, money laundering, and federal drug offenses. The indictment was announced by United States Attorney Duane A. Evans on December 13, 2024.
The charges against the pair stem from a scheme that began in 2021 after Thomas filed for divorce in Texas. She and Thompson are accused of transferring funds from her former husband's bank accounts into new accounts they controlled. This was allegedly achieved by creating an email account in the victim's name and opening several bank accounts using this email along with various addresses.
The indictment details that from September 6, 2021, to December 13, 2024, Thomas and Thompson withdrew significant sums of money through fraudulent means. They reportedly used these funds for high-value purchases such as a Hermes Birkin handbag costing $28,796 and a Porsche Panamera for $52,890.
Further allegations include Thompson's possession of over 500 grams of cocaine on June 9, 2023. He is also charged with possessing a firearm during this offense.
If convicted of wire fraud alone, both defendants face up to thirty years in prison along with fines and supervised release terms. Aggravated identity theft carries a mandatory two-year imprisonment term per count. Money laundering could result in ten years of imprisonment. For the drug-related charges specifically linked to Thompson, penalties range from five years to life imprisonment depending on the charge.
U.S. Attorney Evans emphasized that these indictments are only accusations until proven beyond reasonable doubt in court.
This case has been investigated by multiple agencies including the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office. Assistant United States Attorney André Jones is leading the prosecution efforts within the Narcotics Unit.
