JEFFERSON PARISH, LA. (THECOUNT) — Chris Roberts, a former Jefferson Parish Councilman who was facing tax evasion charges, has been found dead of an apparent suicide.
Roberts, 42, was found unresponsive in a wooded area around 10 p.m. Wednesday night.
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According to reports, the former Councilman appeared to have committed suicide near the Plaquemines/Jefferson Parish line following what his family called, “a long battle with depression.”
Authorities say foul play is not suspected.
Roberts’ family issued the following statement:
“It is with deep sympathy and great sadness that the family of Chris Roberts acknowledges that he passed away this evening after a long battle with depression. The family asks for your prayers and support during this difficult time,” reports WBRZ.
Roberts faced seven counts of tax evasion in 2019 after feds accused him of hiding more than $1 million in income over several years. A later indictment also added a wire fraud charge and accused him of using company credit cards to purchase drones and to gamble. He also took money from several business and campaign accounts to purchase a $16,000 engagement ring, according to NOLA.
Geo quick facts: Jefferson Parish is a parish in the state of Louisiana. As of the 2010 census, the population was 432,552. The parish seat is Gretna. Jefferson Parish is included in the New Orleans-Metairie, LA Metropolitan Statistical Area – Wikipedia.