Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced more victims have been identified in an investigation into the actions of a business owner from Cut Off. Kristian “Kris” Gaudet, 45, now faces 10 counts of Felony Theft and Money Laundering, as well as charges of Racketeering and Exploitation of the Infirmed. This investigation is continuing in coordination with the FBI, Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry’s Office, and the Fraud Division of the Louisiana Department of Insurance.
As previously released, the investigation began in late 2018 when a couple became suspicious of investments made with Gaudet, owner of Kris Gaudet Insurance and Financial Services. Detectives found Gaudet provided false information on an investment company which he also owned. Detectives discovered Gaudet deposited the couple’s $350,000 investment into the company account and then transferred most of it to another of his accounts. Gaudet was initially arrested in January 2019. After his arrest, five additional victims came forward, and detectives found evidence of money laundering and racketeering. In February 2019, additional charges were filed.
Since that time, three more victims have come forward. Following those investigations, detectives obtained warrants in those cases as well. Gaudet now faces charges involving ten separate victims.
In all, Gaudet is now charged with ten counts of Felony Theft, ten counts of Money Laundering, and one count of Racketeering. Due to the age of some of the victims, Gaudet is also charged with four counts of Exploitation of the Infirmed. At one point, his bail amount was as high as $4.85 million. His bail was reduced by the 17th Judicial District Court in February with the condition that Gaudet must wear an ankle monitor if he were to be released on bail. With the new charges, his total bail amount is now set at $680,000.
Once again, detectives are asking anyone who has made an investment with Gaudet and his company since 2012 to please come forward if your investment has not been fully returned. Anyone with insurance policies obtained through Gaudet and his company is also asked to contact their primary insurer listed on documents to ensure your account is in good standing. Anyone with any discrepancies is asked to contact the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division at (985) 532-4320.
