The corruption trial of former New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin is on track to start Monday. It’s been almost a year since Nagin pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Federal prosecutors and defense attorney Robert Jenkins have been meeting over the past year to review the case as it heads to trial. US District Court Judge Ginger Berrigan will preside. Legal analysts had speculated a plea deal might be reached to avoid a public trial.
Several government witnesses have already pleaded guilty to paying kickbacks in exchange for government contracts. Nagin has not spoken publicly about the case, other than entering 21 “not guilty” pleas to the indictment last February.
Nagin’s former technology director, Greg Meffert, who lived a lavish lifestyle, admitted to financing vacations and gifts for Nagin. Those luxuries were traced to the credit card of Meffert’s friend, businessman Mark St. Pierre.
Meffert has pleaded guilty and is awaiting sentencing. St. Pierre was convicted and sentenced to 17 years in prison.
Berrigan has said she expects Nagin’s trial to take two weeks.
