Former New Orleans Police Officer Christian Conrad Claus has been indicted on charges related to an insurance fraud and bribery scheme, according to a press release from the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana.
The indictment alleges that Claus, 55, falsely claimed valuable paintings were stolen from his New Orleans residence in order to collect insurance money.
The scheme allegedly involved filing a fraudulent police report to bolster the false claim.
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The indictment further accuses Claus of bribing a fellow officer to document the purported theft in the police report. In exchange for cooperation, Claus allegedly offered the officer a share of the anticipated insurance payout.
Claus faces a total of six federal charges, including:
- Wire Fraud Conspiracy
- Mail Fraud Conspiracy
- Use of a Facility in Interstate Commerce in Aid of Bribery
- Conspiracy to Commit Use of a Facility in Interstate Commerce in Aid of Bribery
- Wire Fraud
- Making False Statements to a Federal Agent
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If convicted, Claus faces significant penalties, including lengthy prison sentences and substantial fines for each count.
The indictment underscores the seriousness of accusations against law enforcement officers who violate the public’s trust. The case is expected to proceed through the federal court system in New Orleans.
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