What’s the longest prison sentence ever handed out in Louisiana history? Not counting life sentences because multiple lifetimes add up quickly. The badge of honor goes to Robert Thompson (AKA John Lawson) from Zachary, Louisiana. He was sentenced to 309 years behind bars, which became a federal record for one of the longest white-collar sentences of all time.
What nonviolent crime could land you a record-shattering jail stay? Well, you might expect a 309-year sentence to be reserved for something like a violent murderer or some insane torturer. But the crimes that earned such a serious punishment make the picture clear, especially when you see the court throw conspiracy, money laundering, obstruction of justice, and 5 types of fraud charges at you.
How He Ran a $20 Million Heist From Prison
Robert Thompson was doing time for a previous fraud case when he managed to restart his fraud business. Thompson became the ring leader of a fraud circle, calling the shots from his prison cell. He was literally calling the shots with a cell phone after he managed to bribe a corrections officer $10,000 to sneak in. Over the two years, Thompson and his several accomplices stole heaps of sensitive information from over 61 people, churches, businesses, and banks…