A federal jury in New Orleans has convicted former New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) officer Christian Conrad Claus, 57, on multiple charges including conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, wire fraud, conspiracy to use a facility in interstate commerce in aid of bribery, use of a facility in interstate commerce in aid of bribery, and making a false statement to a federal agent. The verdict followed a two-week trial.
The indictment alleged that in 2019, Claus conspired with a New Orleans homeowner, Fouad K. Zeton, and a Nevada art appraiser, Michael Jon Schofield, to file a fraudulent insurance claim. The scheme involved reporting valuable paintings as stolen from the homeowner's residence, despite the paintings being neither valuable nor actually stolen. Claus used his police position to further the fraud, in exchange for a share of the insurance proceeds and assistance in obtaining employment.
First Assistant United States Attorney Michael M. Simpson emphasized the commitment to justice, stating, "Today’s verdict is a testament to the combined dedication and commitment of our office, in partnership with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, to ceaselessly pursue justice." Acting Special Agent in Charge Charles Koger of the FBI New Orleans Field Office added, "Mr. Claus flagrantly abused his trusted position as a sworn law enforcement officer to enrich himself. Actions like these erode public trust in law enforcement, and the FBI will continue its efforts to hold all who abuse that trust accountable."
The fraud and fraud conspiracy charges carry a maximum penalty of 20 years imprisonment each, while the bribery, bribery conspiracy, and false statement charges are punishable by up to five years imprisonment each. All convictions also include a potential fine of up to $250,000, up to three years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee. Zeton and Schofield previously pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing. Claus's sentencing is scheduled for September 22, 2026, before Chief United States District Court Judge Wendy B. Vitter.