New Orleans Musician “Big Freedia” Charged with Theft of Government Funds

U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that FREDDIE ROSS, JR., age 37, of New Orleans, who performs under the stage name BIG FREEDIA, was charged in a one-count Bill of Information with theft of government funds.

According to the Bill of Information, between about 2010 and continuing until December 2014, ROSS stole money to which he was not entitled from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development.  Although the amount was not specified in the Bill of Information, ROSS was charged with stealing more than $1,000, making his crime a felony. 

If convicted, ROSS faces a maximum term of imprisonment of not more than ten years in prison, followed by up to three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.

United States Attorney Polite reiterated that the Bill of Information is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

The case was investigated by agents with the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development – Office of the Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Housing Authority of New Orleans.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jordan Ginsberg and Maria Carboni.