Former Jefferson Parish President Aaron Broussard was sentenced Monday to 46 months in prison and a $280,210 fine.
Broussard was charged by a Federal grand jury with 27 criminal counts for his scheme to add this then-girlfriend and now ex-wife Karen Parker to the Jefferson Parish payroll and pay her for a job she was not qualified to do. In exchange for covering for Parker, former Jefferson Parish Attorney Tom Wilkinson received lucrative raises at taxpayer expense.
Ultimately, Broussard made a deal with the government and plead guilty to two counts: conspiracy and theft.
At the hearing, Broussard said: "I accept full responsibility for the actions I have pleaded guilty to."
He also apologized to the people of Jefferson Parish for "bringing dishonor to my position. I will pay for that dishonor for the rest of my life."
The fine is payable in monthly payments of at least $500 per month.
Wilkinson, Parker, former JP CAO Tim Whitmer and Kenner Businessman Bill Mack, accused of paying Broussard $66,000 in bribes for parish contracts, also separately pled guilty.
Broussard will report to a to-be-determined Federal prison on April 8th. He has requested assignment to the Federal minimum security prison in Pensacola and the Judge agreed. The final decision is up to the Federal Bureau of Prisons.
