Mayor Accused Of Katrina Fraud

Mississippi Gulfport Both have been named in a 16-count indictment. The feds say the couple conspited to defraud the government and an insurance company out of more than $220000 in Katrina assistance.

by Kimberly Curth

Published: Wed, January 28, 2009 - 5:03 pm CST Last Updated: Wed, January 28, 2009 - 6:06 pm CST

The Mayor of Gulfport and his wife are in trouble with the Feds for alleged Hurricane Katrina fraud.

According to a federal indictment, Mayor Brent Warr and his wife, Laura, conspired to defraud the government and an insurance company of more than 220-grand in Katrina assistance.

The indictment says the Warrs claimed to live at a home on Beach Drive in Gulfport at the time of the storm. But, the Feds say they didn't. The Mayor issued this statement about the case against him:

My fundamental mission as mayor, since Aug. 29, 2005, has been to return this city to greatness, and today Gulfport is absolutely on the right track to greatness.

Understand that what has been alleged toward my wife and me has no connection to me as mayor. This has not and will not change my commitment to the progress and recovery of our city.

This inquiry has been going on for more than a year now, and we hope and pray for a much faster resolution.

We have entered a plea of not guilty. Out of respect for the justice system and the government, I will not speak further about the claim made against us.

I am the mayor of Gulfport and I will continue working to rebuild our city.

We have hundreds of dedicated employees, department heads and directors, and everything we have achieved thus far is a result of their hard work and love for this city.

For Laura and me, personally, this is a difficult time, but I will continue the work as mayor. Please pray for my family and pray for the City of Gulfport.

Sincerely,
Mayor Brent Warr

The Warrs have pleaded not guilty to the charges.

WKRG.com » News Stream » Mississippi