WBRZ - Baton Rouge

NEW ORLEANS - A former New Orleans city official has been charged in federal court with taking more than $20,000 in payoffs from a businessman who did business with the city.

Anthony Jones of New Orleans was the city's chief technology officer during former Mayor Ray Nagin's administration. A bill of information made public Wednesday charges him with conspiracy to commit bribery. It says Jones approved payments on city invoices to companies owned by Mark St. Pierre.

Charging a suspect in a bill of information instead of an indictment is usually a signal a plea deal has been worked out. Jones' lawyer did not immediately return a call for comment.

St. Pierre also has been charged in the case. He has pleaded not guilty and is scheduled for trial next year.

Image courtesy of WVUE.