Former Monroe City Councilman Robert “Red” Stevens Pleads Guilty

SHREVEPORT, LA—United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that Robert E. “Red” Stevens, 61, former elected member of the city council of Monroe, Louisiana, pleaded guilty today to accepting cash bribe payments from an FBI cooperating witness in exchange for help with matters pending before the city council. The guilty plea was entered in federal court in Shreveport before United States District Judge Donald E. Walter.

Stevens was indicted in 2010 and charged with violating the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act—more commonly known as RICO—and the Hobbs Act, which involves extortion by a public official. During today’s court appearance, Stevens pleaded guilty to the RICO violation; pursuant to a plea agreement with the government, the Hobbs Act count will be dismissed after sentencing.

Stevens admitted in court filings that on three separate occasions in 2008 and 2009, he accepted cash bribe payments from a Monroe businessman who was working as a cooperating witness under the direction of the FBI. The payments were in exchange for Stevens’ assistance with matters pending before the city council.

Stevens faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both. Sentencing in federal court is governed by the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines and the discretion of the sentencing judge. Sentencing is scheduled for September 26, 2013.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Monroe Resident Agency, and is being prosecuted by First Assistant United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook and Counsel to the U.S. Attorney William J. Flanagan.