A former New Orleans police officer who once led the city’s bomb squad admitted in court on Tuesday to fraud charges, avoiding a trial that had been set for December.
Todd Morrell, a 32-year veteran of the police force, confessed to six counts of wire fraud. These charges stem from allegations that he submitted fake timesheets, effectively claiming he was working two shifts at the same time—one on-duty as a police officer and another off-duty as part of private security details. This double-dipping scheme has raised eyebrows as part of a larger issue within the police department regarding private security jobs, which have long been criticized during federal reform efforts.
Morrell, now 57, retired in 2021 after an investigative report from WVUE-TV revealed some shocking behavior. The report showed that Morrell was occasionally seen racing cars or relaxing at home while claiming to be on the clock. These revelations brought to light questionable practices in the department’s handling of private detail work.
Morrell’s sentencing is set for February 25, with U.S. District Judge Jay Zainey presiding. Each of the six charges he pleaded guilty to carries a maximum sentence of 20 years, so the stakes are high.
Interestingly, Morrell comes from a prominent local family. His mother, Cynthia Hedge Morrell, served on the City Council, and his father, Arthur Morrell, held roles as a state legislator and Orleans Parish Criminal Court Clerk. His brother, J.P. Morrell, currently sits on the New Orleans City Council.
While Morrell’s long career with the police department is over, this case adds to a broader conversation about accountability and trust in law enforcement, especially in a city still working under reforms mandated by a 2012 federal consent decree.