Federal Trial Jury Convicts Former New Orleans Police Officer for Insurance Fraud and Bribery Schemes

NEW ORLEANS, LA - The United States Attorney's Office announced today that a federal jury has convicted CHRISTIAN CONRAD CLAUS ("CLAUS"), age 57, after a two-week trial of one count of Conspiracy to Commit Mail Fraud and Wire Fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1349; one count of Wire Fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1343; one count of Conspiracy to Use a Facility in Interstate Commerce in Aid of Bribery, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 371 and 1952(a); one count of Use of a Facility in Interstate Commerce in Aid of Bribery, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1952(a)(3); and one count of Making a False Statement to a Federal Agent, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1001(a)(2). The jury did not reach a verdict on one count of Mail Fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1341.

Speaking to today's conviction, First Assistant United States Attorney, and Acting Criminal Chief, Michael M. Simpson stated:

"Today's verdict is a testament to the combined dedication and commitment of our office, in partnership with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, to ceaselessly pursue justice. Mr. Claus's actions constituted a blatant breach of public trust, that threatened to undermine the public's confidence in law enforcement. We will not allow public corruption, such as that perpetrated by Mr. Claus, to escape prosecution."

"Mr. Claus flagrantly abused his trusted position as a sworn law enforcement officer to enrich himself. Actions like these erode public trust in law enforcement, and the FBI will continue its efforts to hold all who abuse that trust accountable." said Acting Special Agent in Charge Charles Koger of the FBI New Orleans Field Office. "The FBI thanks the jury and the U.S. Attorney's Office for their assistance in finding justice in this case."

The indictment alleges that in 2019, CLAUS, who was then an NOPD police officer, conspired with a New Orleans homeowner, and a Nevada art appraiser, to submit a fraudulent insurance claim. The claim reported that valuable paintings had been stolen from the insured's house, when in truth, the paintings were neither valuable, nor stolen. In this case, the homeowner agreed, in exchange for CLAUS using his police position to further the scheme, to share the insurance proceeds with CLAUS ,and to provide CLAUS with assistance in obtaining employment positions.

The fraud and fraud conspiracy charges are each punishable by up to 20 years imprisonment. The bribery, bribery conspiracy, and false statement charges are each punishable by up to five years imprisonment. Sentencing for each count of conviction, also includes a fine of up to $250,000, up to three years of supervised release following imprisonment, and payment of a mandatory special assessment fee.

The homeowner, Fouad K. Zeton, and the appraiser, Michael Jon Schofield, previously pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing.

Sentencing has been scheduled for September 22, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. before Chief United States District Court Judge Wendy B. Vitter.

First Assistant U.S. Attorney Simpson praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in investigating this matter, as well as the valuable efforts of the U.S. Attorney's Office's Victim-Witness Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chandra Menon, Chief of the Public Integrity Unit, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Tiwana Wright, were in charge of the prosecution.

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