Cody Francis, a former Army Reservist from New Orleans, has been sentenced for his involvement in a conspiracy to steal government funds. On February 13, 2025, Chief United States District Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown delivered the sentence following Francis's guilty plea.
Francis was charged with conspiring to commit theft of government funds by falsely claiming reimbursement for military funeral honors ceremonies that did not occur. The amount stolen totaled $11,378.27 from the United States Department of the Army.
The National Defense Authorization Act of 2000 allows for military funeral honors for active-duty soldiers, retirees, and veterans upon a family's request. These honors include ceremonial acts such as folding and presenting the United States flag and playing "Taps."
Chief Judge Brown sentenced Francis to one year of probation and mandated him to complete 100 hours of unpaid community service. Additionally, he must pay restitution of $11,378.27 to the Department of the Army along with a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson commended the efforts of the United States Army Criminal Investigation Command in this case. Assistant United States Attorney Andre J. Lagarde from the Public Integrity Unit led the prosecution.