Duane A. Evans, U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Louisiana
Cody Francis, a former Army Reservist from New Orleans, was sentenced on February 13, 2025, for conspiracy to commit theft of government funds. Chief United States District Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown presided over the case. Francis had previously pled guilty to stealing $11,378.27 from the United States Department of the Army by falsely claiming reimbursement for military funeral honors ceremonies that did not occur.
The National Defense Authorization Act of 2000 provides military funeral honors for active-duty soldiers, retirees, and veterans upon request. These honors include the folding and presenting of the United States flag and playing "Taps."
Chief Judge Brown sentenced Francis to one year of probation and ordered him to complete 100 hours of unpaid community service. Additionally, he must pay $11,378.27 in restitution to the Department of the Army and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson commended the efforts of the United States Army Criminal Investigation Command in this case. The prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Andre J. Lagarde from the Public Integrity Unit.
