Gretna Man Pleads Guilty to Unauthorized Access to Information by Use of a Computer

PERRY BOOTH IV, age 44, a resident of Gretna, Louisiana, and a former Jefferson Parish Assistant District Attorney, pled guilty in federal court today before U.S. District Judge Helen G. Berrigan to a bill of information charging unauthorized access to information by use of computer, announced U.S. Attorney Jim Letten.

According to the factual basis filed today, after a near accident on I-10 near Gulfport, Mississippi, the defendant copied the license plate number of the other car. The defendant then caused an investigator in the Jefferson Parish District Attorney’s Office to access a law enforcement computer data base to input the license number and obtain the name and address of the person in whose name the car was registered. The investigator believed that the request was for a valid law enforcement purpose. The defendant then sent a threatening letter which made reference to the traffic incident in Mississippi to that person at his home in Metairie.

BOOTH faces a maximum term of imprisonment of one (1) year imprisonment, a fine of $100,000.00 and up to one (1) year of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. Sentencing was scheduled by Judge Berrigan for December 21, 2009.

Speaking to today’s developments, U.S. Attorney Letten stated:

“First, let me extend my sincerest gratitude to Jefferson Parish District Attorney Paul Connick, Sheriff Newell Normand and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, as well as FBI Special Agent in Charge David Welker for the seamless investigative effort which resulted in today’s plea. Indeed, without DA Connick’s prompt attention to this matter and its referral for criminal action, this case would not have been possible. Today’s conviction, as well myriad other similar successes which we share with these partners, is compelling evidence of their ongoing commitment to the highest ethical standards in their offices, and to absolute professionalism in the service of our citizens.”

This case was investigated jointly by Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office. The Jefferson Parish District Attorney’s Office cooperated fully in the investigation. This case is being prosecuted by the Chief of the Organized Crime Strike Force Unit, Mark A. Miller.