A contractor was arrested Wednesday after Jefferson Parish detectives said they uncovered additional alleged fraud tied to residential work in the parish. Investigators say the contractor submitted inspection paperwork they believe was falsified to show approvals that never happened, and officials added that some of the documents appeared to have been edited electronically.
According to WWL-TV, detectives reviewed inspection files that “appeared to have been manipulated using Photoshop” and arrested the contractor after identifying discrepancies. WWL-TV reports that the alleged falsifications involved documents filed in both Jefferson Parish and New Orleans permitting systems, and the station says investigators are notifying possible victims as the probe continues.
How investigators say the scheme worked
Investigators say the edits created a false paper trail, with photos and signed forms that suggested on-site approvals when none had been completed. Detectives warn that this kind of falsification can allow contractors to close out permits or bill for work that was not inspected or finished.
Why this matters locally
This arrest comes amid broader scrutiny of the region’s permitting and inspection processes, as recent reporting has highlighted examples of questionable inspection records and third-party oversight. A recent Yahoo story summarized WWL reporting about efforts to tighten review practices following similar allegations…