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A Lafourche Parish businessman and former local politician is now accused of selling clients fake bonds – on top of the multiple charges he was already dating back to an investigation that started last year.
Kristian “Kris” Gaudet, 45, now faces 11 counts of felony theft, as well as charges of monetary instrument abuse, money laundering, racketerring and exploitation of the infirmed.
The investigation is continuing in coordination with the FBI, Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry’s Office and the Fraud Division of the Louisiana Department of Insurance.
On May 30, 2019, a woman came forward to LPSO with concerns about her investments after learning of Gaudet’s charges.
She told investigators that she had purchased bonds totaling $80,000 from Gaudet. Upon contacting the holding company, the resident learned that the bonds were fake.
After investigation, detectives obtained warrants for additional charges against Gaudet for felony theft and monetary instrument abuse.
The case against Gaudet has been going on for many months.
In late 2018, a couple became suspicious of investments they made with Gaudet, who owns Kris Gaudet Insurance and Financial Services.
Authorities learned that Gaudet provided false information on an investment company, which he also owned.
Authorities said Gaudet deposited the couple’s $350,000 into the company account, then transferred most of it into another of his accounts.
Gaudet was initially arrested in Jan. 2019. Since his arrest, eight additional victims came forward and detectives found evidence of money laundering and racketeering. That led to additional charges being filed in both Feb. and March 2019.
Gaudet was booked on the new charges on June 13, 2019.
In total, he is charged with 11 counts of felony theft, four counts of exploitation of the infirmed and one count each of racketeering, money laundering and monetary instrument abuse.
His bond is now $433,750.
Authorities are asking anyone who has made an investment with Gaudet and his company since 2012 to come forward if your investment has not been fully returned.
Anyone with insurance policies obtained through Gaudet and his company is also asked to contact their primary insurer listed on documents to ensure your account is in good standing. Anyone with any discrepancies is asked to contact the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division at (985) 532-4320.
