Former Church Employee in Louisiana Sentenced to Federal Prison For Embezzling More than $175,000 From Church Accounts

New Orleans, Louisiana – A former church employee in Louisiana was sentenced to federal prison for embezzling more than $175,000 from church accounts.

U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that Anita Willene Hobdy, age 68, of LaPlace, Louisiana was sentenced to 27 months (2 years, 3 months) in prison on May 11, 2023, for wire fraud, stemming from fraudulent charges made from First Baptist Church of LaPlace.

Hobdy previously pled guilty to a one-count bill of information for wire fraud involving her actions between 2015 and 2021. According to court filings, Hobdy worked as an accountant for a church’s childcare program and embezzled more than $175,000 from church accounts during that time.

Hobdy was sentenced to 27 months in prison, one year of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment fee by the Honorable Eldon E. Fallon. She was also compelled to make restitution to the First Baptist Church of LaPlace in the amount of $175,124.26.

The work of the US Secret Service and the St. John Parish Sheriff’s Office was lauded by US Attorney Evans. The prosecution is overseen by Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas D. Moses, Health Care Fraud Coordinator.

About the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Eastern District of Louisiana: The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana is a government agency tasked with enforcing federal law and prosecuting crimes within its jurisdiction. This district includes the city of New Orleans as well as 13 parishes in southern Louisiana. The office collaborates with federal agencies such as the FBI to ensure public safety and the integrity of federal laws. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana is committed to defending citizens’ rights and upholding the rule of law in the pursuit of a fair and just society.