JEFFERSON PARISH, La. — The Jefferson Parish Inspector General's Office removed computers from Chris Roberts' offices on the East and West Bank, according to a Jefferson Parish spokesman.
Roberts resigned on Monday, amid a federal probe into his personal business dealings.
Inspector General Dave McClintock would not answer any questions about what his investigators are looking for on the hard drives from Roberts' offices
Sources tell WWL-TV, Roberts may be formally charged with a tax-related crime as early as this week and that Roberts is expected to enter into a plea agreement with the federal government.
Tuesday, the Louisiana Secretary of State's office officially notified Jefferson Parish that it received a notice of resignation from Roberts.
That starts a 30-day time clock for the JP Council to fill the vacancy.
The interim council member will serve the remainder of Roberts' term which expires in January.
Political strategist Greg Buisson admittedly had his differences with Roberts.
But, he says the council lost a true champion for the west bank.
"He was most passionate about drainage on the west bank," Buisson said. "He was most passionate about flood control issues on the west bank. He was most passionate about quality of life issues on the west bank."
Keith Conley, the former Chief Operating Officer of the Jefferson Parish government and Metairie businessman Larry Katz have emerged as leading candidates to be named Roberts' interim replacement.
Katz was nominated to be an interim councilman in 2017 to fill in for Ben Zahn who was elected Kenner mayor.
That appointment eventually went to businessman Jack Rizzuto.
Katz told WWL-TV, "I would be delighted and honored to serve. I was asked if I have an interest in the position. I was last time. I am this time."
Conley said he is extremely interested in the job.
"I had one council person reach and and ask if they could put my name in that hat. I was very honored for that," Conley said.
Conley mentioned he would put aside his own ambition to run for parish wide office in the fall if he gets the interim appointment.
"I have a great relationship with the current council, the administration, the department heads, the business community, the civic groups," Conley said. "I know each council district and those council person's interests and their projects.
Roberts resigned his seat on the JP Council at the close of business on Monday.
But, the LA Secretary of State didn't process that resignation until Tuesday.
Council members will likely nominate candidates to serve out the rest of Roberts' term by the end of this week.
They could interview the nominees at their meeting next week.