News

Judge OKs public defender for Nagin's appeal

by Patrick Flanagan

New Orleans' former mayor, Ray Nagin, will get a federal public defender to handle his appeal, a federal judge decided Wednesday.

NEW ORLEANS (AP) - New Orleans' former mayor, Ray Nagin, will get a federal public defender to handle his appeal, a federal judge decided Wednesday.

U.S. District Judge Ginger Berrigan signed off on the request, noting that Nagin's finances qualifies him for public legal representation.

According to a questionnaire filed with the court, Nagin has just $23.65 in the bank. He said he, his wife and daughter live each month off of $360 in food stamps and about $500 in gifts and donations from friends and family.

He owes $176,510 on his townhome in Frisco, Texas, which is worth $180,000 and in foreclosure and owes $11,570 on a 2010 Ford Fusion.

Nagin notes he has not worked since May 2010, when he earned about $3,100 every two weeks. He also said that the legal defense fund he set up only had $30 in it. The fund, he said, is controlled by a third party.

The questionnaire doesn't show how much it raised or paid to Nagin's former attorney, Robert Jenkins

A jury in February convicted Nagin on 20 counts, including bribery, wire fraud and money laundering. He's scheduled to begin serving a 10-year sentence Sept. 8 at a penitentiary in Texarkana, Texas.

NOLA.com/The Times-Picayune reports Claude Kelly, the chief federal public defender in New Orleans, said he plans to personally speak to Nagin on Thursday.

"He's in great hands. We do superior work," Kelly said. "I'm very proud of this office."

Nagin's case will likely be handled by Jordan Siverd, an assistant public defender who specializes in appeals.

"He couldn't have a better appellate lawyer," Kelly said.