Ladners’ sentencing set for Katrina-related kickbacks

BAY ST. LOUIS — A former Hancock County road department manager and his wife have been scheduled for sentencing Nov. 16 in a kickback scheme related to Hurricane Katrina cleanup contracts.

Prosecutors said Roger Ladner was given the authority to award millions of dollars in ditch-cleaning contracts after the 2005 storm and some went to his relatives with a portion of the money funneled back to him and his wife.

Ladner pleaded guilty to conspiracy in the case. His wife, Sharon, pleaded guilty to altering records during an investigation. Their sentencing date had been set for Nov. 14, but was pushed back.

The Ladners were indicted in December and each charged with money laundering and conspiracy. Two of Roger Ladner’s brothers were charged later and they also have pleaded guilty to charges in the case.

Prosecutors say Roger Ladner and his wife used third parties “to conceal the fact that they and their companies worked on the county ditch cleaning contracts” and funneled the proceeds “to various persons and accounts.”

“Throughout the period of the conspiracy, the defendants concealed their receipt and possession of funds and continued to do so up to and including May 2010,” the indictment said.

The Ladners were indicted in December and each charged with money laundering and conspiracy.