Reader: Fraud allegations shocking, but not surprising

KIM’s bringing Santa’s home here
December 8, 2009
Galeand Raymond Theriot
December 10, 2009
KIM’s bringing Santa’s home here
December 8, 2009
Galeand Raymond Theriot
December 10, 2009

Dear Editor:


The Louisiana Department of Social Services’ Fraud and Recovery section’s 57-count indictment for alleged food stamp fraud against Marie Anderson, St. Mary Parish’s 911 director, and 10 parish DDS Office of Family Support employees after a yearlong investigation. While shocking, it is not surprising.

Every dollar stolen through fraud and abuse within the system means one less dollar for the elderly and low-income people of all ages who need assistance to sustain life.


St. Mary Parish Director of Homeland Security Duval Arthur’s self-serving response: “Marie was working out great for us. She is a good leader.”


It is the same type of response that was given approximately two years ago by Parish President Paul Naquin after it was brought to his attention – by members of the parish government council, local government leaders and the news media – following the yearly audit of a non-profit organization operating in St. Mary Parish (under parish government sponsorship and sanction) indicated that 80 percent of its total annual $6 million grant from federal, state and private organizations went to salaries. Salaries, not administrative expenses.

Naquin’s response was, “But she is doing such good work!”

St. Mary Parish has been outpaced by almost every measure by neighboring parishes – Lafourche, Terrebonne and Iberia. While our neighboring parishes are experiencing unprecedented economic growth, prosperity and a quality-of-life environment for its people that is admired and envied across the state, St. Mary has apparently become a haven for foul play.

Enough is enough! It is time for the people of St. Mary to take a very good, hard look at the agenda of the people they are voting for.

Max J. Thibodeaux Jr.,

Morgan City, La.