New Orleans Man Pleads Guilty to Fraud Charges

Hardell Mack, 54, admitted to making false statements, conspiracy, and other financial crimes related to pandemic relief funds.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 12:00am

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An extreme close-up of a crumpled, torn document with handwritten notes, conceptually illustrating the fraudulent misuse of pandemic relief funds.Pandemic relief fraud cases expose the dark underbelly of criminal schemes targeting government aid programs.New Orleans Today

Hardell Mack, a 54-year-old New Orleans resident, has pleaded guilty to a four-count federal indictment. The charges include making false statements related to the CARES Act, conspiracy to commit mail fraud, money laundering, possessing a stolen vehicle, and wire fraud.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing efforts by authorities to crack down on fraud and abuse of pandemic relief programs, which have seen a rise in criminal activity since the start of the COVID-19 outbreak. It also demonstrates the Department of Justice's commitment to prosecuting financial crimes that take advantage of government assistance intended to help struggling businesses and individuals.

The details

According to court documents, Mack admitted to making false statements to obtain CARES Act funds, conspiring with others to commit mail fraud, laundering money, possessing a stolen vehicle, and engaging in wire fraud. The crimes were committed between March 2020 and April 2021 in the New Orleans area.

  • Mack pleaded guilty on March 25, 2026.
  • The crimes were committed between March 2020 and April 2021.

The players

Hardell Mack

A 54-year-old New Orleans resident who pleaded guilty to a four-count federal indictment related to pandemic relief fraud and other financial crimes.

Judge Jane Triche Milazzo

The United States District Judge presiding over Mack's case.

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What’s next

Mack is scheduled to be sentenced on a future date, where he could face significant prison time and financial penalties for his crimes.

The takeaway

This case serves as a warning that authorities are actively investigating and prosecuting those who seek to illegally profit from pandemic relief programs intended to help struggling businesses and individuals. It underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in the distribution of government aid.