Louisiana Man Pleads Guilty in Insurance Fraud and Bribery Scheme Involving Alleged Art Theft

New Orleans, Louisiana – A man from Louisiana pleaded guilty in a scheme involving insurance fraud, bribery, and the alleged theft of art.

Fouad K. Zeton pled guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, according to the US Attorney’s Office.

Zeton confessed to lying to his home insurer about the theft of costly paintings from his New Orleans, Louisiana residence. Zeton further admitted that a New Orleans Police Department officer helped him with the scam by agreeing to document the alleged theft in a police report in exchange for a percentage of the anticipated proceeds.

Conspiracy is punishable by up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release, a $250,000 fine, and a $100 special assessment fee. Sentencing will take place on August 17, 2023, before Chief Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown.

The FBI is investigating this matter. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant US Attorney Chandra Menon of the Public Integrity Unit.