A former employee of the Department of Safety and Permits is facing multiple counts of fraud.
Elisha Collier is allegedly accused of using her City computer credentials to improperly generate short-term rental licenses, including a license for a property in the French Quarter, where short-term rentals are prohibited.
Investigators found that Collier altered names, addresses, and other information in the City’s permitting system to generate unauthorized licenses, then deleted those entries in an effort to conceal the activity.
On May 5, the Department of Safety and Permits Director Susannah Kirby learned of the allegations, and Collier was immediately suspended, and the matter was reported to the New Orleans Police Department.
The department also launched its own internal investigation, and Collier was terminated on Sept. 17.
The city says it identified unauthorized changes to other types of licenses and permits outside of Collier’s assigned responsibilities.
According to investigators, Collier confessed when confronted by the lead detective on Oct. 19.
She is being charged with malfeasance in office, injuring public records, computer fraud, and forgery.
Mayor Helena Moreno issued the following statement:
“Let me be absolutely clear: We have zero tolerance for fraud, corruption or anyone abusing their position of public trust. When our department leadership learned of these allegations, they acted immediately. The employee was suspended, the matter was reported to NOPD, and our department launched its own investigation that resulted in her termination.
“We’re not waiting for criminal charges to take action when wrongdoing is uncovered. The people of New Orleans deserve a government that operates with honesty, integrity, and accountability. That’s the standard I expect from every City employee, and anyone who violates that trust will be held accountable.”
Collier is expected to be booked into Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office custody before being transferred to Orleans Parish.
READ MORE:New Orleans city employee terminated, charged in short-term rental fraud scheme
