NEW ORLEANS -- It appears that the federal investigation of former Jefferson Parish President Aaron Broussard is growing.
Broussard's ex-wife pleaded guilty Tuesday in a payroll scheme involving Broussard and former Parish Attorney Tom Wilkinson.
Karen Parker pleaded guilty to one count of misprision of a felony. She was hired as a paralegal supervisor for the Jefferson Parish Attorney's office in 2003, even though she wasn't qualified for the job.
Broussard, her ex-husband, and Wilkinson are also charged in a 33-count indictment in the case.
“This is just a little preview, a little sample, so to speak, of some of the information she's providing to the government as the government moves this investigation to the next phase,” said Rafael Goyenche, president of the Metropolitan Crime Commission.
The bill of information even reads that the three charged in the case aren't the only ones involved. It says, "All parties to the decision to hire Parker -- Broussard, Wilkinson and others -- knew that Parker was not qualified."
Broussard himself also appeared in federal court Tuesday.
For the first time, federal prosecutors showed the scope of their investigation into Broussard's dealings is going well beyond Parker's paralegal job.
Her bill of information also reads that during his time as parish president, "Broussard received monies, totaling hundreds of thousands of dollars that were characterized as... 'Retainers,' 'consulting fees' or 'finder's fees' with various contractors and vendors."
“This is information that was not publicly disclosed or was any part connected with the initial indictment. So, this information had to be provided, at least in part, by Karen Parker,” Goyeneche said.
Plus, it hints at an investigation the Metro Crime Commission began into Broussard's involvement in a holding company that held investment property in Canada. The bill of information said Broussard received income from the property and goes on to say, "This property was partially funded by individuals and/or entities who were contractors and/or vendors doing business with Jefferson Parish."
Parker faces anywhere from zero to three years in prison.
During Broussard's status conference Tuesday, the judge pressed attorneys on why his May 14 trial date is so late. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Klebba told the judge a superseding indictment, possibly with additional charges, is "a distinct possibility in light of this morning's guilty plea."
