Covington, La. - A Metairie man has been arrested for stealing approximately $750,000 worth of scrap materials from the old twin spans.
St. Tammany Parish Sheriff Jack Strain says 34 year old Jason Hedges was working for NASDI, LLC, a demolition contractor tasked with the removal of the old twin spans. Part of the contract involved NASDI recycling or selling for scrap some of the materials after the bridges were demolished.
Company officials reportedly became concerned when they noticed a suspicious lack of proper record-keeping with the job. NASDI representatives initially contacted N.O.P.D., who referred the case to the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office when the theft was determined to have occurred on the northshore.
Sheriff Strain says the scheme involved the delivery of a portion of the metal scrap to unsanctioned recycling and scrap firms in exchange for cash payments. Based on information provided by NASDI, investigators estimate approximately $750,000 worth of scrap was diverted to these other firms. Detectives have traced over $300,000 in cash payments to Hedges.
Investigators are still determining whether Hedges acted alone or if there were others involved in the scheme.
Hedges faces up to 10 years in prison.
Jason Hedges, 34
