Three indicted for alleged bribery scheme

NEW ORLEANS, Nov. 6 (UPI) -- Authorities said corruption in New Orleans' government was dealt a blow when three suspects were indicted on charges connected to an alleged bribery scheme.

Former city technology chief Greg Meffert, his wife, Linda, and his business associate, Mark St. Pierre, were indicted 63 federal corruption charges connected to awarded technology contracts, The (New Orleans) Times-Picayune said Friday.

Authorities allege Meffert used his former position to help St. Pierre's companies win taxpayer-financed contracts. In return for his influence, Meffert allegedly received $860,000 in cash, goods and services.

Meffert's wife meanwhile is accused of falsely informing a federal agent that one of St. Pierre's companies paid her $38,000 for accounting work in November 2004. Authorities maintain the work allegedly done by Linda Meffert never occurred.

The Times-Picayune said Friday's indictments mark the first time a top member of New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin's administration has faced corruption charges.