Money for nothing: A Mandeville man who pleaded guilty to engaging in what prosecutors call a Ponzi scheme has been sentenced to five years in prison. State District Judge Allison Penzato also today ordered 54-year-old Hugo Urrea to pay $247,000 in restitution to his victims. Urrea pleaded guilty to securities fraud, felony theft and money laundering charges. Attorney General James “Buddy” Caldwell’s office says Urrea wasn’t a licensed securities dealer but lured acquaintances into investing money with him. Prosecutors say he deposited the money in his bank accounts and used it to pay for personal expenses.
Without warning: State lawmakers from southwest Louisiana—even those allied with the governor—say they were caught off guard by an abrupt announcement from the Jindal administration that it planned to close a state prison in DeQuincy. The closure of C. Paul Phelps Correctional Center was announced Friday, with Corrections Secretary Jimmy LeBlanc calling it a cost-cutting measure. The idea was not discussed in legislative budget hearings, and lawmakers representing the area say they weren’t included in any discussions about the prison’s closure. The legislators, including House Speaker Chuck Kleckley, say they were given only a few hours’ notice before it was publicly announced. LeBlanc says the 942 prisoners at Phelps will be shifted to the Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola and the Elayn Hunt Correctional Center in St. Gabriel.
Off the bench: The LSU men’s basketball program has cut loose the Sixth Man Club and reformed it as the Tiger Tip Off Club, Coach Johnny Jones announced today. The new club will have membership levels of $300, $500 and $1,000 per year, with escalating benefits. Members at each level will receive a monthly newsletter, autographed team poster, an invitation to pre-season practice/dinner, and three additional meal gatherings along with pre-game hors d’oeuvres for home games. Get all the specifics at the LSUsports.net website here.
