New Orleans, La. - FOX 8 legal analyst Joseph Raspanti says former mayor Ray Nagin is facing some big problems.
Attorney Randy Smith says his client, businessman Frank Fradella, will admit to giving a public official money in exchange for favorable treatment. Fradella's company acquired city contracts totaling tens of millions of dollars.
A new federal bill of information called the city official involved "public official A." Raspanti says there is no doubt that official is Ray Nagin.
Raspanti says federal prosecutors have been getting their ducks in row, building a case against Nagin. The feds have the cooperation of former City Technology Chief Greg Meffert, businessman Aaron Bennett and businessman Frank Fradella.
"It means he's got Mr. Meffert, Mr. Bennett and Mr. Fradella all singing like Pavarotti in there and they all tie a noose around him, so it's obvious they are coming after him," said Raspanti.
FOX 8 put in calls to Nagin's attorney Robert Jenkins. So far, there's been no response. But Raspanti says Jenkins and Nagin have likely been in contact with the U.S. Attorney's Office.
"They already been talking to, I'm sure, to Mr. Nagin and his attorney and telling them what they intend to do and that would be the first time when he has some decisions to make," Raspanti told us. "And if none is made, then I would imagine an indictment is going to be coming down."
If and when that will happen remains to be seen, but according to Raspanti, formal charges in this case would likely be tough to beat.
"To be able to go to DC, to the Justice Department and say we want to indict the Mayor of New Orleans, the former Mayor of New Orleans, you've got to have a pretty big case," Raspanti said.
Ray Nagin (File/AP Photo)
