Former OPSO Employee Pleads Guilty to Theft and Bribery Charges

Kenneth Lawson admitted to stealing OPSO funds and attempting to divert a $3.9 million grant

Jan. 28, 2026 at 2:31pm

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A former employee of the Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office (OPSO), Kenneth Lawson, has pleaded guilty to charges of conspiracy to commit bribery and theft. Lawson, along with Areion Banks, were accused of devising a scheme to steal OPSO checks and deposit them into their own accounts, diverting approximately $15,000 in OPSO funds. Lawson was also accused of requesting a $3.9 million grant from the Justice Department and attempting to have $100,000 of that money dispersed to a financial account linked to his own LLC, with Banks posing as an OPSO employee to approve the transaction.

Why it matters

This case highlights the importance of oversight and accountability within government agencies, as well as the need to prevent public funds from being misused or diverted for personal gain. The alleged actions of Lawson and Banks undermine public trust in the OPSO and raise concerns about the potential for similar schemes to occur in other government organizations.

The details

Lawson, who worked as a grants manager at the OPSO from August 2022 to November 2024, pleaded guilty to the charges after being indicted in September 2025. Prosecutors allege that Lawson and Banks devised a scheme to steal OPSO checks and deposit them into their own accounts, diverting approximately $15,000 in OPSO funds. Additionally, Lawson is accused of requesting a $3.9 million grant from the Justice Department and attempting to have $100,000 of that money dispersed to a financial account linked to his own LLC, with Banks posing as an OPSO employee to approve the transaction.

  • Lawson worked at the OPSO as a grants manager from August 2022 to November 2024.
  • Lawson and Banks were formally indicted in September 2025.
  • Lawson pleaded guilty to the charges in January 2026.

The players

Kenneth Lawson

A 39-year-old former employee of the Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office (OPSO), who worked as a grants manager and pleaded guilty to charges of conspiracy to commit bribery and theft.

Areion Banks

A 33-year-old individual who was indicted along with Lawson for their alleged involvement in the scheme to steal OPSO funds and divert a $3.9 million grant.

Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office (OPSO)

The law enforcement agency where Lawson was employed as a grants manager and where the alleged theft and bribery scheme took place.

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What’s next

Lawson's sentencing has been set for May, where he could face up to five years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of strong internal controls and oversight within government agencies to prevent the misuse of public funds. It also underscores the need for robust whistleblower protections and effective collaboration between law enforcement and government agencies to uncover and address such schemes.