Louisiana man accused of forging trucking contract as part of $2.5 million scheme against clay mining company
The Louisiana Bureau of Investigation (LBI) arrested a man accused of orchestrating an embezzlement and fraud scheme that cost a clay mining company and its clients millions.
On July 30, Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill announced the arrest of Slidell resident John B. Ohle III, 58, on multiple felony charges, including:
- Forgery
- Identity Theft
- Theft over $25,000 (Embezzlement)
- Theft over $25,000
- Money Laundering
- Bank Fraud
- Computer Fraud
Between January 2020 and February 2024, Ohle is accused of taking part in a scheme that cost the victim company and its clients more than $2.5 million.
A multi-year investigation was launched after a private clay mining company lodged a complaint with LBI about Ohle, the company’s contracted consultant. The company alleged that Ohle had orchestrated an “elaborate embezzlement” scheme targeting the company and its clients.
“During this investigation, LBI agents learned that Ohle, a disbarred attorney and CPA, had diverted revenues from the clay mining company (victim) to account(s) he controlled. Ohle also forged an exclusive trucking agreement by misrepresenting himself as an executive officer of the victim company and used a subsidiary company that he owned to deceive the victim company’s clients and facilitate the fraud. Additionally, agents learned Ohle had sold heavy equipment owned by the victim company, without authorization, and subsequently diverted the funds from the sale through bank accounts of an associate to hide the fact he was the actual beneficiary of the funds,” Murrill said.
Officials said that after Ohle was informed that there was a warrant for his arrest, he refused to cooperate and tried to evade arrest.
He was taken into custody on July 30 at a residence in Metairie.
“My office will continue investigating complex financial crimes and holding those responsible accountable. Louisiana businesses deserve that protection,” said Murrill.