Nola Reporter

A former United States Army reservist, Cody Francis, has pled guilty to conspiracy to commit theft of government funds. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans on September 29, 2024.

Francis admitted to stealing $11,378.27 from the United States Department of the Army by falsely claiming reimbursement for military funeral honors ceremonies that never occurred. The National Defense Authorization Act of 2000 authorizes such honors for active-duty soldiers, retirees, and veterans at a family's request.

By pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit theft of government funds under Title 18, United States Code, Section 371, Francis faces up to five years in prison and up to three years of supervised release. He may also be fined up to $250,000 and must pay a mandatory $100 special assessment fee. Additionally, Francis has agreed to repay the stolen amount of $11,378.27 to the Department of the Army.

The sentencing is scheduled for February 13, 2025, before Chief United States District Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown.

U.S. Attorney Evans commended the efforts of the United States Army Criminal Investigation Command in this case. Assistant United States Attorney Andre J. Lagarde from the Public Integrity Unit is leading the prosecution.