Ep 1. Ray Nagin: New Orleans Shakedown
- TV-PG
- March 31, 2016
- 42 min
-
(7)
Ray Nagin: New Orleans Shakedown is the first episode of the tenth season of the true crime documentary series American Greed. This episode focuses on the corrupt former mayor of New Orleans, Ray Nagin, and the scheme he concocted to extort money from city contractors.
In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, Nagin became a high-profile figure in New Orleans, advocating for the city's recovery and reconstruction. But behind the scenes, he was using his position to line his own pockets. Nagin devised a system in which city contractors were required to pay him kickbacks in order to secure contracts for their projects. He received bribes in the form of cash, luxury vacations, and even granite for his family's countertop business.
Nagin's corruption came to light in 2012 when he was indicted on 21 counts of bribery, fraud, and money laundering. During his trial, several former city officials testified against him, describing the wide-reaching network of corruption that Nagin had built during his time as mayor. Despite claiming innocence, Nagin was ultimately found guilty on all charges and sentenced to 10 years in federal prison.
Throughout the episode, American Greed features interviews with several of Nagin's former associates, as well as legal experts and journalists who covered the case. They shed light on the culture of corruption that had taken root in New Orleans, and how Nagin was able to exploit it for his own gain.
The episode also delves into the aftermath of Nagin's conviction, exploring how the city of New Orleans has struggled to regain public trust in the wake of such widespread corruption. It examines the steps that have been taken to reform the system and prevent similar abuses from occurring in the future.
Overall, Ray Nagin: New Orleans Shakedown is a gripping and thought-provoking look at one of the most notorious cases of political corruption in recent memory. It offers a sobering reminder of the dangers of power and the importance of vigilance in holding public officials accountable.
