Former Traffic Court Clerk Pleads Guilty

A former Louisiana deputy clerk at the Orleans Parish traffic court has pleaded guilty to theft from an organization receiving federal funds.

According to court documents, 45-year-old James E. Singleton stole thousands of dollars from people who appeared in traffic court to resolve outstanding tickets. In 2010 alone the FBI discovered that Singleton took at least $9,000 in cash from six victims.

Singleton admitted Thursday to receiving money to fix traffic tickets, and keeping that money for himself. He also admitted taking money to clear driving privileges that had been suspended, but did not clear the citations. That resulted in drivers being at risk of arrest for driving on a suspended driver’s license.

Singleton faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing is set for Sept. 13.