On February 3, 2025, Brian Paul Desormeaux of Lafayette was sentenced to 36 months in federal prison for leading a conspiracy that defrauded a federal nutrition assistance program run by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). His daughters, Amy Desormeaux Hernandez and Lenzi Desormeaux Babineaux, were also sentenced for their involvement. Hernandez received her sentence on the same day as her father, while Babineaux was sentenced in November 2024. Both daughters were given one year and one day in federal prison after being convicted of wire fraud.
According to court documents, Brian Desormeaux served as executive director of Regional Nutrition Assistance, Inc., a nonprofit that sponsored the Child and Adult Care Food Program. This program is operated by the USDA and administered by the Louisiana Department of Education. Over about five years, Desormeaux and his daughters submitted fraudulent reimbursement claims to the federal government. These included falsified state fire marshal inspection reports—required for reimbursement—and claims involving providers they knew were not participating in the program. The family diverted more than $500,000 in funds for personal use.
United States Attorney Zachary A. Keller commented on the sentencing: “The Desormeauxs’ shameful scheme stole food out of the mouths of Louisiana’s children to satisfy their own greed, and they’re now heading to federal prison as a result. Protecting Louisiana’s children from financial and other abuses is one of our Office’s core missions, and this case shows our commitment, alongside our federal and state partners, to investigate and prosecute these crimes to the fullest extent of the law.”
Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Tapp from the FBI New Orleans Field Office said: “The Desormeauxs stole half a million dollars of money that was allocated to help hungry children and adults in Louisiana, and we will not tolerate that criminal behavior. The FBI is committed to work with our state and federal partners and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to root out fraud in Louisiana and make sure those responsible are held to account.”
John Walk, Inspector General at USDA, added: “The defendants exploited the USDA’s Child and Adult Care Food Program intended to provide nutritious meals to children in need. They fraudulently claimed to administer the assistance at childcare programs and instead used it as a vehicle for personal financial gain. The USDA Office of Inspector General remains committed to protecting the integrity of USDA nutrition programs and safeguarding taxpayer dollars. We appreciate the strong partnership of our law enforcement and prosecutorial partners in holding those who commit fraud accountable.”
The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted an investigation into this case along with assistance from both state inspectors general offices. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren L. Nickel prosecuted with support from Legal Assistant Christy Angelle.
Further information about this case can be found on the website for United States Attorney’s Office for Western District of Louisiana or through related court documents available at the District Court for Western District of Louisiana, under Case Number 6:25-cr-00092.
