A well-known New Orleans chef and a former Louisiana Department of Education consultant were recently indicted on federal charges alleging they stole more than $74,000 in government funds intended for low-income families, according to court records.
Prairieville resident Romney Manuel, 51, and New Orleans resident Demietriek Scott, 49, were each charged Mar. 20 with five counts of wire fraud and single counts of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, theft of government funds and conspiracy to commit theft of government funds.
Manuel declined to comment on the allegations. Scott and his attorney, Rachel Conner, did not immediately respond to requests for comment Tuesday.
Prosecutors allege nonexistent childcare provider
Filed in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Louisiana, the indictment alleges the men stole $74,250 of CARES Act funds intended to subsidize childcare facilities to allow low-income families to use their services…