Plaquemines Parish, LA — April 7, 2026
District Attorney Charles Ballay announced that on April 7, 2026, Judge Kevin Conner sentenced David Jefferson, 50, of Gretna, Louisiana, following his guilty plea on March 23, 2026, to four counts of contractor fraud and one count of theft over $1,000.
Judge Conner sentenced Jefferson to seven (7) years in the Louisiana Department of Corrections, with three and one-half years suspended. Upon release, Jefferson will be placed
on five (5) years of active probation. As a condition of probation, Jefferson is ordered to pay $32,350 in restitution to the victims.
Jefferson’s convictions stem from fraudulent contracting activities committed in the aftermath of Hurricane Ida, during which he targeted homeowners seeking repairs, accepted large sums of money, and failed to complete the promised work—leaving families with damaged or uninhabitable homes.
Several victims addressed the Court during sentencing and described the long-term consequences of Jefferson’s actions.
One victim, Joannie Martin, a 71‑year‑old retiree, explained that the fraud forced her back into the workforce:
“I was retired and living a stable, mortgage-free life until I trusted the defendant. Because of what he did, I was forced to come out of retirement and return to work just to make sure I have a roof over my head.”
Kendra Sylve, speaking on behalf of her 80‑year‑old mother Sarah Sylve, described how the crime displaced her mother from her lifelong home:
“The defendant didn’t just take money. He took my mother’s stability, her comfort, and her ability to remain in her own home.”
Dary Vun, explained that the harm extended far beyond financial loss:
“My home, which should be a place of comfort and security, has instead become a daily source of stress and uncertainty. I continue to live with the conditions that were left behind.”
James Wilson, described the impact of Jefferson’s actions on his family, stating:
“I trusted the defendant to do the work he was paid for, and instead I was left with a damaged floor, an unfinished home, and the burden of finding someone else to repair the mess he left behind. The time, money, and emotional strain this has caused have been substantial.”
Another victim, Kay Williams, explained how the fraud compounded hardships following hurricane damage to her home:
“When I found out he wasn’t licensed—and realized he had taken our money and disappeared—I felt physically sick. I was embarrassed that I had trusted someone who took advantage of us during one of the hardest times of our lives.”
Williams further told the court that Jefferson’s conduct left her family without a livable home:
“You left us with a mess, a home that we cannot live in, and a huge financial burden. We are still living with the consequences.”
Assistant District Attorney Jason Napoli prosecuted the case on behalf of the State of Louisiana, and Rae Riley, the Victim Assistance Coordinator at the District Attorney’s Office, worked with the vicims to assist them in this difficult time.
District Attorney Ballay emphasized that his office remains steadfast in its mission to protect residents from exploitation, particularly during times of disaster recovery.
“Those who take advantage of families during moments of vulnerability will be held accountable,” Ballay said. “This sentence sends a clear message that contractor fraud will not be tolerated in Plaquemines Parish.”
