Indictment of Former Grants Manager and Associate in Bribery and Theft Scheme

Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced the indictment of Kenneth Lawson, 39, and Areion Banks, 33, for conspiracy to commit theft and bribery concerning a program receiving federal funds in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 371, 666(a)(1)(A), and 666(a)(1)(B). The indictment alleges that Lawson, while working as Grants Manager at the Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office (OPSO), exploited his position to steal checks and embezzle funds, receiving bribes from Banks in exchange.

Key Takeaways:

• Kenneth Lawson, a former Grants Manager at OPSO, was indicted for conspiracy to commit theft and bribery concerning a program receiving federal funds.
• Lawson met Areion Banks in March 2024 and devised a scheme to exploit his position at OPSO to steal checks and embezzle funds, with Banks paying bribes to Lawson in exchange.
• On one occasion, Banks paid Lawson a bribe of approximately $5,900 in exchange for Lawson's successful diversion of approximately $15,000 from OPSO without authorization.
• Lawson incorporated an entity entitled "Williams James Assoc. LLC" and opened a business checking account in its name, despite having no relationship with OPSO.
• Lawson directed the U.S. Department of Justice to send $100,000 of a $3.907 million grant to the Williams James financial account without the knowledge or authorization of his supervisors.
• If convicted, Lawson and Banks each face up to five years in prison, up to a $250,000 fine, up to three years of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.

Statistics:

• The indictment alleges that Lawson and Banks embezzled approximately $15,000 from OPSO.
• The total amount of the grant funds was $3.907 million.
• The amount of the bribe paid by Banks to Lawson was approximately $5,900.
• The maximum sentence for the charges against Lawson and Banks is five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.

Sources:

• "FBI." (2025, August 28). Two Indicted for Bribery and Theft Scheme Concerning a Program Receiving Federal Funds. US FBI.
• Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson. (2025). U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana.