NEW ORLEANS — Eyewitness News has learned that two New Orleans Police officers are under federal investigation stemming from an alleged report of a stolen car.
http://liarcatchers.com/insurance_fraud.html
“Late last week we were contacted about an investigation in regards to some allegations against my client,” said attorney Eric Hessler, who is representing NOPD Sgt. Kevin Guillot.
According to an NOPD yearbook, Guillot has been serving on the force since 1992. His lawyer confirms that Guillot is under investigation for alleged insurance fraud.
“Its an allegation of an insurance claim but it does not involve any on-duty activities of Sgt. Guillot. He’s a very well respected sergeant and a well-liked member of the NOPD. The allegations, while they’re disappointing, they don’t speak to the character of the sergeant,” said Hessler.
A second police officer is also being investigated: Salvadore Battaglia, Jr., who according to an NOPD yearbook has been with the department since 1997.
“I can tell you Officer Battaglia is cooperating with the federal authorities from the beginning and will continue to do so until its concluded,” said Battaglia’s attorney, Bruce Whittaker, during a telephone interview.
Sources say both officers are being investigated for an alleged insurance scam that originated in Jefferson Parish, where the officers attempted to claim that Guillot’s car had been stolen which wasn’t the case. Sources say the officers attempted to cover up the scam.
Now the FBI and NOPD are investigating and more people may be involved.
“There are others who are alleged to be involved to what extent I’m not prepared to talk about,” added Hessler.
Remi Braden, spokeswoman for the NOPD, said because an investigation is underway the police department could not comment on this story
