Posted on 10/26/2007 5:09:55 PM PDT by Libloather
Grand Jury Indicts Woman Linked To Shepherd
UPDATED: 12:27 pm CDT October 25, 2007
NEW ORLEANS -- A federal grand jury handed down a 15-count indictment Thursday against a New Orleans woman who has been linked in court testimony to a state senator from Marrero.
Gwendolyn Joseph Moyo is the only person named in the indictment. All 15 counts accuse her of selling insurance after being convicted of a felony.
On Monday, an FBI agent testified that state Sen. Derrick Shepherd helped Moyo launder nearly $141,000 in bogus construction bond fees, and kept almost half the money.
Shepherd, a Democrat, was re-elected to his Senate seat Saturday by a wide margin. He denied the allegation and said the FBI targeted him because he had truthfully denied knowing about any wrongdoing by either U.S. Rep. Bill Jefferson or New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin, among others.
"Detailed hours of my firm's work were kept. ... What I did for Ms. Moyo is exactly what lawyers are supposed to do," Shepherd said. "I was hired legally. I was paid legally."
Moyo was convicted of various crimes in Arizona in 1989 and in 1991.
Shepherd Denies 'Scandalous Allegations'
FBI Asked About Nagin, State Senator Says
UPDATED: 4:13 pm CDT October 24, 2007
NEW ORLEANS -- State Sen. Derrick Shepherd rebutted the testimony of the FBI that he laundered about $141,000, saying he has "never committed a crime" and that it seemed the FBI wanted him to testify against any elected official in their sights.
"This abuse of authority must end," Shepherd said. "I say enough is enough."
The Democrat from Marrero was re-elected to his Senate seat Saturday by a wide margin.
Shepherd said two FBI agents spoke with him about several elected officials, including New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin, state Rep. Karen Carter and U.S. Rep. William Jefferson, who is dogged by a multi-count federal indictment.
After Shepherd denied he received anything from Jefferson for his endorsement in his congressional campaign against Carter, he said the line of questioning turned to Gwendolyn Joseph Moyo, a twice-convicted felon.
FBI Special Agent Peter Smith testified Shepherd deposited checks sent to bond broker Moyo and then returned approximately half the money to her.
Smith said Moyo could not cash the checks herself because they were made out to her business, AA Communications, which last year had its bank accounts seized by the state Department of Insurance.
A day after Smith testified that he views Shepherd's actions as money laundering, Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike Magner introduced two new documents into evidence, one purporting to be a contract for legal services between Shepherd and Moyo. Magner said that document was not signed by Moyo.
The second item was a "settlement statement." It was signed by both Shepherd and Moyo.
Shepherd recently provided the documents to federal authorities, presenting them as evidence that his dealings with Moyo were honest.
"Detailed hours of my firm's work were kept. ... What I did for Ms. Moyo is exactly what lawyers are supposed to do," Shepherd said. "I was hired legally. I was paid legally."
"If Mr. Shepherd chooses to hold a press conference to assert his position, that's his prerogative. As this investigation continues, Mr. Shepherd will have the opportunity to assert again, if he so chooses," said James Bernazzani, FBI Special Agent in Charge.
Nagin Appears Unfazed; Carter Says She's Not Under Investigation
Nagin seemed unperturbed by state Sen. Derrick Shepherd's revelation that the FBI was asking questions about him.
"I think that is part of his strategy," Nagin said. "I give him a Best Actor award."
Bernazzani offered the usual "neither confirm nor deny" response in regards to Nagin.
Reached in Massachusetts, Carter called Shepherd's remarks unbelieveable.
"I am very concerned that Sen. Shepherd would say anything like that," she said. "I am certain I am not under investigation."
http://www.wdsu.com/news/14402904/detail.html
Clemenza, looks like you’ll have to find another drinking buddy.
This story pales in comparison to our Orleans Parish DA Eddie Jordan who got sued for firing some of the white folk in the DA’s office and had a criminal suspect staying at his house.
If he comes out of this unscathed, I still believe that the city of New Orleans should make Ray an official greeter and guide to the bars of Frenchman Street.
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