Feds: Man pleads to small part in big ‘lost baggage’ scam

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Federal prosecutors in New Orleans say an area resident has pleaded guilty to playing a part in what prosecutors described last year as a scheme to defraud airlines of $550,000 in lost baggage claims. A news release on Thursday said Donmonick Martin of Chalmette pleaded guilty on Feb. 9 to conspiracy to commit mail fraud. A signed statement says he participated in false claims totaling more than $17,000. Codefendant Pernell Jones, Jr. pleaded guilty to the same charge in November 2021. U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans said Jones filed $550,000 in false claims and received $300,000.  Jones’ sentencing is scheduled Feb. 24. Martin’s on May 4.