NEW ORLEANS — A former New Orleans police officer pleaded not guilty in federal court Friday to charges that he aided a controversial restaurateur and political donor in defrauding an insurance company through a scheme involving a fabricated 2019 art heist.
Christian Claus was formally charged in June with six counts of fraud, bribery, and false statements for allegedly assisting Fouad Zeton in deceiving an insurance company over art that was never stolen. Claus’ indictment followed Zeton’s guilty plea in April 2023. Zeton, the former owner of Magnolia Mansion, a prominent fundraising venue in the Lower Garden District, has been linked to numerous politicians.
Zeton is also a key figure in the ongoing federal investigation into Mayor LaToya Cantrell due to his text communications with her and others.
Michael Jon Schofield, a Nevada art appraiser acquainted with Claus, recently pled guilty to his role in the scheme, admitting to inflating the value of the non-existent stolen artwork. Both Schofield and Zeton are expected to testify against Claus when his trial begins in September.
Claus, a former lawyer from Nevada, resigned from the New Orleans Police Department in July 2023, according to an NOPD spokesperson.
