Martin pleads ‘not guilty’ to forgery

South Lafourche businessman Lincoln Martin Jr. of Galliano pleaded not guilty Tuesday morning before state District Judge Jerome Barbera to forgery and money-laundering counts brought in February 2006.

Martin was charged last year in Lafourche and Terrebonne parishes with taking money from USA Labor, Inc., a provider of labor crews to local shipyards and construction companies. According to sources, Martin still retains a 50 percent ownership in the labor company.

The indictment charges Martin with 331 counts of forgery and money laundering in Lafourche Parish, and an additional 67 counts of forgery in Terrebonne. It is believed the forgery counts deal with checks and related monetary instruments.

The defendant, who was unable to be reached for comment as of press time, is being defended by well-known Louisiana defense attorney “Buddy” Lemann. Charges in the case are being brought forward by attorneys in the state Attorney General’s office.

State District Judge Jerome Barbera has set a pre-trial date of June 18 for motions to be heard from both sides. Should the case remain active after that point, a date for trial would likely be set then.