Former Army Reservist Sentenced for Conspiracy to Steal Government Funds

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

NEW ORLEANS – CODY FRANCIS (“FRANCIS”), age 34, of New Orleans, was sentenced on February 13, 2025, by Chief United States District Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown.  FRANCIS previously pled guilty to conspiracy to commit theft of government funds, having stolen $11,378.27 from the United States Department of the Army by claiming reimbursement for the performance of military funeral honors ceremonies that never happened.

The National Defense Authorization Act of 2000 authorizes military funeral honors for active-duty soldiers, retirees, and veterans.  At a family’s request, eligible persons can receive military funeral honors, including the folding and presenting of the United States flag and the playing of “Taps.”

Chief Judge Brown sentenced FRANCIS to one year probation, 100 hours of unpaid community service, the payment of $11,378.27 in restitution to the Department of the Army, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.

Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson praised the work of the United States Army Criminal Investigation Command.  Assistant United States Attorney Andre J. Lagarde of the Public Integrity Unit is in charge of the prosecution.