EDGARD — A contractor who operated in LaPlace faces 10 years in jail after being found guilty of working without authority and misapplication of payments, according to District Attorney Bridget A. Dinvaut.

A release from the D.A.’s office said Ernest Blackwell was found guilty following a three-day jury trial that concluded Sept. 17.

“The victims of this case received extensive flooding and damage to their residence as a result of Hurricane Isaac,” Dinvaut said via release. “Like many other LaPlace-area residents, the victims sought the services of a contractor to repair their home. Blackwell preyed on these victims by falsifying his credentials and not paying his subcontractors. Ultimately, Blackwell’s action led to a lien being placed on the victim’s property.”

Dinvaut’s office sent the release Wednesday afternoon.

A representative from the office responded to a reporter that follow-up questions should be emailed, eventually adding the district attorney had surgery Wednesday and was unable to provide further comment about the case Thursday.

As a result of the conviction, Dinvaut said Blackwell faces five years imprisonment on each count for a total of ten years following convictions of engaging in the business of contracting without authority and misapplication of payments by a contractor.

Blackwell also faces theft and contractor fraud charges in Jefferson Parish.

Judge J. Sterling Snowdy scheduled sentencing for Oct. 21.

Dinvaut said her office presented Blackwell’s case with Justin Lacour acting as lead prosecutor and attorneys Henri Dufresne and Shelley DeVille assisting. Blackwell was represented by Daniel Becnel III.

When asked if there are concerns Blackwell may have targeted others locally or if there are other open cases against him, Assistant District Attorney Orenthal Jasmin referred a reporter to the press release.

When asked what the ruling signals as far as letting people know that the legal system can help them with hurricane-related fraud, Jasmin said “no comment.”