Magistrate postpones arraignments for former New Orleans tech chief, wife in bribery case

Arraignments delayed in New Orleans bribery case

NEW ORLEANS — A federal magistrate has agreed to postpone the arraignments for a former New Orleans technology chief and his wife on charges that include bribery and wire fraud.

Lawyers for 44-year-old Greg Meffert and his wife, 42-year-old Linda Meffert, said their clients need more time to resolve issues concerning their legal representation.

U.S. Magistrate Louis Moore Jr. agreed to move their arraignments from Tuesday until next Monday.

Earlier this month, a grand jury indicted the Mefferts and former city vendor Mark St. Pierre on charges they engaged in a kickback scheme involving contracts for New Orleans’ crime surveillance program.

St. Pierre already has pleaded not guilty to charges in a 63-count indictment.