Ray Nagin, 56, the mayor who stood in the national spotlight when Hurricane Katrina – “the deadliest and most destructive” hurricane in the U.S. – devastated New Orleans and Mississippi.
The most outspoken politician in the Gulf Coast following the devastation, Nagin’s name was once synonymous with propelling New Orleans’ rebirth efforts.
On Friday, Jan. 18, 2013, a grand jury indicted the two-term mayor on 21 federal corruption charges including allegedly taking bribes for granting lucrative city contracts. The kickbacks received between 2005 and 2008 include first class trips to Hawaii, Jamaica and Las Vegas; access to a private jet and more than $200,000.
“This is a sad day for the city of New Orleans,” current Mayor Mitch Landrieu said in a statement. “Today’s indictment of former Mayor Ray Nagin alleges serious violations of the public’s trust. Public corruption cannot and will not be tolerated.”
Two former city officials and two businessmen have plead guilty to corruption.
The first mayor in New Orleans 295-year history; he’s due in federal court on Thursday, Jan. 31, 2013.
Nagin joins a list of black mayors to face federal charges. Here, we’ve listed other black mayors who’ve also had their day in court.
