New Orleans DJ Accused of Defrauding Sewerage and Water Board

Court records show DJ Hardhead collected over $37,000 in fraudulent workers' compensation benefits.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 10:52pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up photograph of a crumpled workers' compensation form, the details obscured by dramatic shadows and highlights, conveying a sense of investigation and uncovering wrongdoing.A recent wave of workers' compensation fraud cases in New Orleans exposes vulnerabilities in the system and the need for stronger oversight.New Orleans Today

Warren Murphy III, a New Orleans DJ known as 'DJ Hardhead', has been charged with workers' compensation fraud after allegedly collecting over $37,000 in benefits while continuing to work as a DJ. Murphy is also facing separate charges related to sexual abuse.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing issues with workers' compensation fraud, which can cost government agencies and taxpayers millions. It also raises concerns about the oversight and accountability of the workers' compensation system, especially when individuals accused of other serious crimes attempt to exploit it.

The details

According to court records, in July 2022 Murphy reported hitting his head on a Sewerage and Water Board truck door and was placed on no-work status while receiving workers' compensation benefits. However, investigators later observed Murphy carrying DJ equipment into a New Orleans venue and found financial records showing he continued to receive DJ-related payments during this time. In total, Murphy is accused of defrauding the Sewerage & Water Board Workers' Compensation program of over $37,000.

  • In July 2022, Murphy reported a head injury and was placed on no-work status.
  • In October 2022, investigators observed Murphy working as a DJ while still receiving benefits.
  • On March 24, 2026, Murphy was booked into the Orleans Parish Jail on a workers' compensation fraud charge.

The players

Warren Murphy III

Also known as 'DJ Hardhead', a 51-year-old New Orleans DJ who has been charged with workers' compensation fraud and is also facing separate charges related to sexual abuse.

Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans

The public utility agency that Murphy is accused of defrauding out of over $37,000 in workers' compensation benefits.

Liz Murrill

The Louisiana Attorney General whose office investigated the workers' compensation fraud case against Murphy.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This case highlights ongoing issues with workers' compensation fraud, which can cost government agencies and taxpayers millions.”

— Liz Murrill, Louisiana Attorney General

What’s next

Murphy's trial on the workers' compensation fraud charge is scheduled to begin on April 6, 2026.

The takeaway

This case underscores the need for stronger oversight and accountability measures within workers' compensation systems to prevent fraud and abuse, especially when individuals accused of other serious crimes attempt to exploit these programs.