POINTE A LA HACHE, La -
A Plaquemines Parish minister has
admitted to stealing more than $300,000 from parish residents
seeking to receive FEMA trailers following Hurricane Katrina.
Rev. Martin A. Denesse, of Homeplace, pleaded guilty Monday to possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, theft over $500 and unauthorized use of a movable over $1,000. He remains in custody.
Plaquemines Parish District Attorney Charles J. Ballay says state District Judge Joy Lobrano set sentencing for March 24.
Denesse, the former pastor of Grace Harbor Christian Ministries, was arrested in a traffic stop in January that resulted in the seizure of several pounds of marijuana and drug paraphernalia. Authorities later determined that Denesse had misappropriated thousands given to him by residents to pay for FEMA trailer connection fees and insurance needed to have the trailers installed.
Denesse was named the parish's official liaison with FEMA in 2007.
Rev. Martin A. Denesse, of Homeplace, pleaded guilty Monday to possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, theft over $500 and unauthorized use of a movable over $1,000. He remains in custody.
Plaquemines Parish District Attorney Charles J. Ballay says state District Judge Joy Lobrano set sentencing for March 24.
Denesse, the former pastor of Grace Harbor Christian Ministries, was arrested in a traffic stop in January that resulted in the seizure of several pounds of marijuana and drug paraphernalia. Authorities later determined that Denesse had misappropriated thousands given to him by residents to pay for FEMA trailer connection fees and insurance needed to have the trailers installed.
Denesse was named the parish's official liaison with FEMA in 2007.
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