Legal Matters

Ex-SMHA employee pleads guilty to stealing $90K

Defendant fraudulently approved loans in the names of friends and associates in New Iberia and Morgan City.

Timothy Daigle, 32, pleaded guilty Sept. 15 before U.S. District Judge Richard T. Haik to one count of fraud concerning program receiving federal funds.

While working as a loan officer and agent at the nonprofit Southern Mutual Help Association in New Iberia, the Morgan City resident stole more than $90,000, according to the guilty plea. On four separate occasions from September 2013 until February 2014, Daigle, acting as an agent of SMHA, helped to fraudulently approve loans in the names of friends and associates in New Iberia and Morgan City.

Daigle faces up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, a $250,000 fine and restitution, according to U.S. Attorney Stephanie Finley.

A sentencing date was not set.