Former LSU Eunice employees get prison time for federal funds theft, shopping binge

Two former LSU Eunice employees received federal prison sentences and fines Thursday after earlier guilty pleas to theft of grant funds intended for student assistance.
U.S. District Judge Elizabeth Foote gave Dr. Marvette J. Thomas, 60, of Grambling 14 months in prison and Carra Sergeant, 60, of Ragley 12 months for theft of government funds. They were ordered to pay about $159,000 in restitution.
Thomas was director of the Office of Academic Assistance and Sergeant was assistant director when they took money mean for the Upward Bound and Student Support Services projects, designed to assist students in their education efforts.
The thefts occurred from September 2008 until Feb. 28, 2012.
The stolen money was used for their personal benefit, the thefts hidden behind altered receipts and false records.
The pair admitted to buying clothes, shoes, handbags, cosmetics, jewelry, electronic devices, cookware, tools, toys, rec vehicle parts, pet supplies, household items, exercise equipment, religious books and gifts for family, friends and co-workers.
Prosecutors said they also encouraged and allowed subordinate co-workers to make personal purchases in the amount of at least $16,000.
The thievery came to light in the course of an audit.