WBRZ - Baton Rouge

NEW ORLEANS - The former technology chief for the City of New Orleans has pleaded guilty to conspiracy and filing a false tax return as part of a deal with prosecutors investigating an ongoing public corruption case.

Greg Meffert entered the plea to one count of conspiracy and one count of filing a false tax return at a hearing before U.S. District Judge Eldon Fallon on Monday. In exchange, charges will be dismissed against his wife, Linda, pending a pretrial diversion program.

Meffert faces up to eight years in prison. Sentencing is set for Feb. 3.

The Mefferts were charged in a sweeping 63-count federal indictment just more than a year ago. The government alleges Meffert took kickbacks from his former business partner, Mark St. Pierre, to give St. Pierre's technology companies no-bid contracts at City Hall.