New Orleans Fraud Arrest

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — A 40-year-old man has pleaded guilty to computer fraud for his role in a scheme that illegally netted him more than $268,000.

U.S. Attorney Jim Letten's office Thursday said Shawn Michael Haygood, of Rowlett, Texas, faces up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing is set for Sept. 5.

According to a one-count indictment returned in February 2011, Haygood was a purchaser/manager at an upscale New Orleans restaurant when he allegedly designed a scheme in which he claimed to buy perishable food items for the business, when he did not. Haygood recorded the fraudulent amounts of the purchases into the restaurant's computer system, which produced a receipt he used to get cash.

Authorities say, over a 30-month period, he stole $268,774 from the restaurant.