A longtime employee of the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office was arrested and terminated Monday for her alleged role in a scheme that defrauded the agency of over $90,000.
Felony Charges Filed Against Employee
Labrina Carey Lackey, 57, faces multiple felony charges, including theft over $25,000, monetary instrument abuse, obstruction of justice, injuring public records, filing false public records, public contract fraud, and malfeasance in office, the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office announced.
Lackey, employed with the agency since December 2014, was fired following her arrest. It is unclear if she has retained legal representation.
Fraudulent Scheme Details Revealed
The charges stem from an investigation into the misuse of the office’s Inmate Trust Fund. According to officials, Lackey allegedly falsified journal entries and issued unauthorized check disbursements from former inmate accounts. These activities were reportedly aimed at concealing cash discrepancies in deposits made at the bond window.
“These actions are reprehensible and do not reflect the values of the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office,” Sheriff Susan Hutson stated in a news release. “The public places its trust in us, and it is our duty to uphold that trust by taking decisive action against anyone who undermines our mission.”
Impact on Former Inmates and Public Trust
To address the financial harm caused by the alleged scheme, the sheriff’s office announced it is using commercial crime insurance to reimburse any former inmates whose accounts were affected.
The incident has raised concerns about internal controls and accountability within the sheriff’s office. Sheriff Hutson emphasized the importance of maintaining public trust, assuring that the office is committed to transparency and decisive action against misconduct.
