KENNETH LAWSON, a former Grants Manager at the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office (OPSO), and AREION BANKS, a resident of Slidell, have pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit theft and bribery involving a program that received federal funds. The plea was entered before United States District Judge Lance M. Africk.
According to court documents, in August 2023, the United States Department of Justice awarded OPSO a $3.907 million Byrne Discretionary Grant intended to support health and wellness for people in custody and streamline reentry programs. LAWSON, who worked at OPSO from August 2022 until November 29, 2024, had authority over grant payments and could issue checks to subgrantees.
LAWSON met BANKS in March 2024. They developed a scheme where LAWSON would use his position to steal checks made out to subgrantees and convert them into cash with BANKS’ help. In exchange for stealing the checks, LAWSON received part of the proceeds from BANKS. On one occasion in August 2024, BANKS paid LAWSON about $5,900 after LAWSON diverted roughly $15,000 from OPSO without authorization. Over at least four occasions, they diverted or attempted to divert more than $45,000.
In July 2024, LAWSON created Williams James Assoc. LLC., opened an account at Gulf Coast Bank & Trust Co., and used his role at OPSO to request unauthorized drawdowns from the DOJ grant for personal benefit. He deposited $7,000 into this account on July 30 and another $75,000 on August 30.
On November 13, 2024, LAWSON tried again to misappropriate funds by directing DOJ to send $100,000 of grant money into the Williams James account without OPSO’s knowledge or approval. When questioned by bank staff about this large transaction's legitimacy, BANKS posed as an OPSO employee during a phone call with Gulf Coast Bank representatives after being instructed by LAWSON on what to say.
Both defendants face up to five years in prison each as well as fines up to $250,000 and other penalties. Sentencing is scheduled for May 13, 2026.
U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle stated: “U.S. Attorney Courcelle praised the work of the United States Department of Justice – Office of the Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation in investigating this matter.” He also acknowledged support from OPSO staff: “U.S. Attorney Courcelle also expressed appreciation for the support provided by the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office.”
Assistant United States Attorney Jordan Ginsberg is leading prosecution efforts in this case.
