American Greed: Scams, Scoundrels and Scandals Season 10 Episode 1 Ray Nagin: New Orleans Shakedown

Ray Nagin served as the Mayor of New Orleans from 2002 until 2010. He was seen as a hero after leading the city through the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, but Ray Nagin: New Orleans Shakedown, the first episode of Season 10 of American Greed, unveils a different side of the former mayor.

As the episode begins, we see the city struggling to recover from the devastating storm. Nagin seemed to be a beacon of hope for the community, who saw him as someone who could rebuild their homes and their lives. However, Nagin's true intentions came to light when he began accepting bribes from contractors looking to secure city contracts.

The episode delves into Nagin's past, tracing his journey from a young man working for IBM to becoming one of the most notorious politicians in the country. We hear from those who knew Nagin, including a former city council member who worked with him closely. Through these interviews, we learn about Nagin's charismatic personality and how he was able to convince people that he had their best interests at heart.

However, the truth was far from what Nagin was presenting. The episode details how he would solicit bribes from contractors and how he would use his position to steer contracts towards his friends and family. We hear from people who were directly affected by Nagin's corrupt actions, including a contractor who lost out on a bid because he refused to pay a bribe.

Despite his criminal behavior, Nagin continued to maintain a facade of innocence. He would often speak out against corruption and even wrote a book called Katrina's Secrets: Storms After the Storm, which was supposed to shed light on the city's rebuilding efforts. However, the book only fueled rumors about Nagin's involvement in shady dealings.

The episode also details the investigation that eventually led to Nagin's downfall. We hear from federal agents who worked tirelessly to gather evidence against Nagin, including wiretaps and surveillance footage. The investigation culminated in a trial, during which Nagin was found guilty of 20 counts of corruption. He was sentenced to 10 years in prison and ordered to pay $82,000 in restitution.

Ray Nagin: New Orleans Shakedown is a sobering look at the corrupt actions of a man who was once seen as a hero. The episode shows how easy it can be for someone in a position of power to abuse that power and exploit those they are supposed to serve. It is a cautionary tale about the dangers of greed and corruption, and a reminder that those who are tasked with leading our communities must always be held accountable for their actions.